Dismantling a SIM Card Cartel: The Uttarakhand STF’s Major Cybercrime Bust

In a significant breakthrough against cybercrime, the Uttarakhand Special Task Force (STF), in collaboration with the Indian Cyber Crime Coordination Centre (I4C) under the Ministry of Home Affairs, has successfully dismantled a sophisticated SIM card cartel. This operation has not only led to the arrest of a cybercrime mastermind but has also exposed a network supplying fake SIM cards to international criminals involved in large-scale financial fraud across India and South Asia.

The Operation: A Strategic Approach

The operation, spearheaded by Senior Superintendent of Police (SSP) Navneet Singh, culminated in the arrest of a key figure in the cybercrime world, identified as Sohil (alias), from Mangalore, Haridwar. Sohil is accused of fraudulently activating over 20,000 SIM cards, which were subsequently sold to cybercriminals in various South Asian countries. These SIM cards were instrumental in executing numerous financial scams that targeted unsuspecting victims across India.

Unraveling the Modus Operandi

Sohil’s approach was both cunning and manipulative. He targeted vulnerable women in the Mangalore region, enticing them with offers of freebies linked to fictitious government schemes or companies. In exchange for seemingly innocuous gifts, such as a cup set, he collected their Aadhaar cards and biometric data. This information was then exploited to activate thousands of SIM cards under false identities.

The SIM cards were sold to cybercriminals operating from countries like Thailand, Cambodia, and Myanmar, as well as various states within India. Sohil utilized WhatsApp OTP groups run by these criminals to distribute the SIM cards, charging between INR 3 to INR 50 for each OTP. This method allowed the criminals to activate WhatsApp and other applications, facilitating their fraudulent activities.

The Catalyst for the Investigation

The investigation was triggered in April 2024 when a victim from Majri Mafi, Mohkampur, Dehradun, reported a cyber scam to the Cyber Crime Police Station. The victim had been lured into an investment scheme by a Facebook user named Kalyani, who falsely claimed to be a Metal Advisor from Chennai. Initially promising high returns, the scheme turned fraudulent, prompting the victim to seek help from the authorities. This complaint set off a chain of events leading to the unraveling of Sohil’s operation.

The Investigation Process

Under the leadership of Deputy Superintendent of Police (Cyber Crime), a special team was formed to expedite the investigation. Inspector Vikas Bhardwaj led the task force in meticulously gathering digital and technical evidence, including biometric and Aadhaar details of the women who had unknowingly assisted the cybercriminals.

The STF’s investigation revealed a complex web of fraud facilitated by the SIM cards, which were used to maintain anonymity for the perpetrators. The analysis of phone numbers and bank accounts played a crucial role in tracking down Sohil.

The Arrest and Recovery

On September 29, 2024, the STF arrested Sohil and recovered a staggering 1,816 SIM cards, two biometric devices, two checkbooks, and five mobile phones from his possession. During interrogation, Sohil confessed to his involvement in the fraudulent activation and sale of SIM cards, revealing the extent of his operations. To evade detection, he destroyed the SIM cards after their use, further complicating the investigation.

The International Nexus of Cybercrime

The investigation unveiled a broader international nexus of cybercrime, with the SIM cards being sold to criminals engaged in various fraudulent activities. These included luring victims into fake investment schemes through WhatsApp calls and Instagram. The anonymity provided by the SIM cards made it increasingly difficult for law enforcement to track down the perpetrators.

Next Steps and Public Awareness

With Sohil’s arrest, the police are now pursuing additional leads to dismantle the entire network of cybercriminals involved in this SIM card racket. Inspector General of Police (Crime and Law & Order), Uttarakhand, Nilesh Anand Bharne, has urged the public to remain vigilant against attractive investment offers or suspicious schemes promoted by unknown individuals online. He emphasized the importance of verifying any suspicious communications and reporting financial cyber fraud incidents to the authorities promptly. For urgent matters, the national cybercrime helpline at 1930 is available for public use.

The Role of I4C

The success of this operation is a testament to the collaborative efforts between the Uttarakhand Police and I4C, Ministry of Home Affairs. Key members of the I4C team, including Dr. Rajesh Kumar (CEO I4C), Rupa M (Director I4C), Munish Datt (Deputy Director), and forensic analyst Rushi Mehta, played an invaluable role in cracking this case.

Conclusion

The arrest of Sohil marks a significant milestone in the fight against cybercrime in India. As authorities continue to investigate and dismantle the networks that facilitate such fraudulent activities, public awareness and vigilance remain crucial in preventing future scams. The collaborative efforts of law enforcement agencies and the public can help create a safer digital environment for everyone.