The Kolkata Police have dismantled a fake SIM card racket operating in Chhattisgarh, arresting 13 agents involved in the illegal distribution of fraudulent SIM cards. The enforcement operation comes amid India’s ongoing battle against SIM card-based fraud, which has resulted in estimated losses of $113.3 billion nationwide.
The operation, which involved multiple raids across various locations, led to the seizure of cash, mobile phones, and bank cheques. Law enforcement officials found that criminals used the fake SIM cards for various illegal activities, including phishing schemes, identity theft, and financial fraud. The case demonstrates the persistent challenges faced by authorities despite recent implementation of mandatory Aadhaar-based biometric verification for new SIM card issuances.
During the investigation, authorities successfully identified and froze substantial amounts of embezzled funds, which are now being returned to the affected parties. The police operation revealed sophisticated methods employed by the criminal network to bypass India’s strict SIM card verification rules, which were implemented by the Department of Telecommunications (DoT) to enhance the security of personal documents.
The Kolkata Police are continuing their investigation to identify additional suspects and possible broader criminal networks connected to the operation. Law enforcement has emphasized the importance of public vigilance and reporting of suspicious activities related to potential banking fraud, particularly as India strengthens its digital identity infrastructure through initiatives like the Central KYC Registry.
The enforcement action represents part of ongoing efforts by Indian law enforcement to combat telecommunications-based fraud and cybercrime. The use of fraudulent SIM cards has been identified as a significant enabler of various financial crimes and identity theft schemes across the region, prompting authorities to implement enhanced security measures including mandatory Calling Name Presentation (CNAP) services to combat fraud.
The operation underscores the evolving nature of telecommunications fraud and the need for coordinated law enforcement responses. Authorities are working to strengthen verification processes for SIM card distribution while encouraging public awareness about potential scams, particularly as India continues its digital transformation initiatives under the Digital India program.
Sources: The420
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