KRG warns of hefty fines for unregistered SIM card sales in crackdown

ERBIL — The Kurdistan Regional Government has issued a strict warning against unregistered SIM card sales, announcing heavy fines for violators. Following a joint meeting on Oct. 31, between the Ministries of Interior and Transportation and seven mobile and internet service companies, the KRG aims to strengthen control over SIM card sales.

In the Kurdistan Region, SIM card sales are regulated and require detailed information on buyers prior to sale.

The Ministry of Interior emphasized that oversight committees have been established in each governorate and autonomous administration to enforce the policy. Several stores have already faced fines or closures, with daily monitoring continuing to ensure compliance.

“We urge citizens, retailers, and mobile network operators to recognize that unregistered SIM card sales enable criminal misuse,” the Interior Ministry stated. “Selling unregistered SIM cards provides criminals with a means to evade detection, effectively contributing to crime. The Ministry of Interior will take legal action to safeguard citizens.”

Strict measures will be enforced against anyone found selling SIM cards without recording buyer identities. According to Article 6, Clause 2, of the KRG Interior Ministry’s 2021 guidelines, violators face fines of 3 million dinars ($2,000) per unregistered SIM card.

Retailers must register with the KRG Ministry of Interior, General Directorate of Companies Security and Licensing, by completing the required electronic form. Until registration is finalized, sellers are mandated to use official registration systems. Non-compliant retailers risk closure, fines, and potential revocation of business licenses.

In a prior effort to curb cybercrime, Interior Minister Reber Ahmed announced in August, the seizure of over 20,000 unauthorized SIM cards.