Cyber Crime
Uttarakhand Police Bust Global SIM Cartel Supplying Indian SIMs to Cyber Gangs in Thailand, Cambodia, and Myanmar
The Uttarakhand Special Task Force (STF) and I4C, Ministry of Home Affairs, have dismantled a SIM card cartel involved in supplying fake SIM cards to international cybercriminals.
This successful operation, led by SSP STF Navneet Singh, resulted in the arrest of a cybercrime mastermind from Mangalore, Haridwar. The accused was responsible for fraudulently activating over 20,000 SIM cards, which were sold to cybercriminals in South Asian countries and used in large-scale financial frauds across India.
The Cybercrime Mastermind’s Modus Operandi
The arrested criminal, identified as Sohil (alias), lured women from the Mangalore region of Haridwar by offering freebies in the name of fake government schemes or companies. In exchange for a simple cup set, he collected their Aadhaar cards and biometric data, which were later used to activate thousands of SIM cards under fraudulent identities.
Sohil sold these fake SIM cards to cybercriminals operating out of countries like Thailand, Cambodia, Myanmar, and even within various Indian states. He reportedly distributed the SIM cards through WhatsApp OTP groups run by cybercriminals based in China and Cambodia, selling OTPs for INR 3 to INR 50 per use. These groups used the SIM cards to activate WhatsApp and other applications, which were then used for cyber fraud operations targeting innocent people.
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Unveiling the SIM Fraud Operation
Through an extensive investigation, which included the analysis of technical evidence like phone numbers and bank accounts, the Uttarakhand STF managed to track down Sohil.
During the arrest, police recovered 1,816 SIM cards, two biometric devices, two checkbooks, and five mobile phones from his possession. The criminal confessed to fraudulently obtaining the SIM cards and selling them for profit. Once used, the SIM cards were destroyed to erase any trace of his illegal activities.
The Catalyst for the Investigation
The case first came to light in April 2024 when a victim from Majri Mafi, Mohkampur, Dehradun, filed a complaint with the Cyber Crime Police Station. The victim had fallen prey to a cyber scam, having been lured into an investment scheme by a Facebook user named Kalyani, who posed as a Metal Advisor from Chennai. The scam promised triple returns on investments, and the victim initially received profits before the fraudsters changed their tactics and demanded more funds. Realizing the deceit, the victim reported the matter to Cyber Crime, leading to the arrest of the mastermind behind the SIM cartel.
SSP of STF, Navneet Singh, formed a special team under the leadership of Deputy Superintendent of Police (Cyber Crime) to expedite the investigation. Inspector Vikas Bhardwaj led the task force in gathering digital and technical evidence, including biometric and Aadhaar details of the women who had been duped into unknowingly aiding the cybercriminals.
International Nexus of Cybercrime
The investigation revealed that the fraudulently obtained SIM cards were sold to cybercriminals involved in large-scale cyber fraud through WhatsApp OTP groups. These groups, operated from China and Cambodia, used the SIM cards to commit various frauds, including luring victims into fake investment schemes using WhatsApp calls and Instagram. The SIM cards allowed the criminals to maintain anonymity and evade detection, making it challenging for authorities to track them down.
The Arrest and Next Steps
The cybercrime mastermind, Sohil, was arrested on September 29, 2024. The police are now pursuing additional leads to uncover the full extent of the operation. The arrest of Sohil marks a significant step in curbing the illegal SIM card racket that has been fueling cybercrime across India and South Asia.
Police Appeal to the Public
Nilesh Anand Bharne, Inspector General of Police (Crime and Law & Order), Uttarakhand, urged the public to stay vigilant and avoid falling prey to attractive investment offers or suspicious schemes promoted by unknown individuals online. He advised people to verify any suspicious calls or messages and immediately report any financial cyber fraud incidents to the authorities. For urgent matters, the public can dial the national cybercrime helpline at 1930.
I4C’s Critical Role in the Operation
The success of the operation is a result of the close collaboration between Uttarakhand Police and I4C, Ministry of Home Affairs. The police extended special thanks to key I4C team members, including Dr. Rajesh Kumar (CEO I4C), Rupa M (Director I4C), Munish Datt (Deputy Director), and forensic analyst Rushi Mehta, for their invaluable support in cracking this case.
Details of the Arrested Cybercriminal
- Name: Sohil (alias)
- Arrest Date: 29.09.2024
- Recovery: 1,816 SIM cards, two biometric devices, two checkbooks, five mobile phones
The investigation continues as authorities work to dismantle the international network of cybercriminals involved in this SIM card racket.