Pakistani Man Accused of Orchestrating $1M Telecom Scam in Australia

A Pakistani national residing in New South Wales has been charged for allegedly obtaining the personal financial details of over 100 Australians to fraudulently access high-end mobile services.

The arrest on November 27 followed an investigation by the AFP-led Joint Policing Cybercrime Coordination Centre (JPC3), in collaboration with Australian law enforcement and major telecommunications providers, Optus and TPG Telecom.

During a search of the man’s home in the western Sydney suburb of Auburn, authorities discovered more than $1 million in cash, over 500 SIM cards, and 21 electronic devices containing credit card information and financial documents.

According to investigators, the alleged scam involved impersonating telecommunications representatives to deceive victims. The scammer reportedly offered mobile device upgrades, during which victims were sent one-time PINs for verification. These PINs were intercepted and used by the offender to gain unauthorized access to their accounts.

The alleged activities have impacted over 100 Australian victims, who reported unsolicited calls and unauthorized transactions linked to their mobile services.

The accused is set to appear at the Sydney Downing Centre Local Court, where charges will include identity theft, fraud, and financial crime. Authorities believe the operation was extensive, leveraging sophisticated techniques to exploit individuals and telecommunications networks.

The AFP and its partners have reiterated their commitment to cracking down on cybercrime, urging the public to remain vigilant against phishing and fraudulent schemes.