DHAKA: Bangladesh Telecommunications Regulatory Commission (BTRC) seized 10,947 SIM cards and other equipments used for illegal (Voice over Internet Protocol) VoIP business.

BTRC said most of the VoIP calls were made using the state-run mobile operator Teletalk SIMs. Moreover, a total of 25 million minutes VoIP calls are being made everyday using all mobile operators.

BTRC acting chairman Jahurul Haque came up with the information at a press briefing at his office on Monday (October 8).

He said that a total 10,947 SIM cards and equipments worth Tk 37 lakh used in illegal VoIP business were seized in drives conducted from September 9 to 20.

The seized SIM cards included 5,075 of Teletalk, 3,897 of Robi, 1,414 of Grameenphone and 426 of Banglalink.

Jahurul Haque said, “TK 50 crore is saved annually through preventing illegal VoIP business. From now on, we will issue money laundering cases against the accused after seizing illegal VoIP calls.”

Jahurul Haque also said mobile phone operators will be fined in this connection too.

BDST: 1819 HRS, OCT 8, 2018

AH/AP/SMS