TGCSB Busts International SIM Racket, Arrests Three
Hyderabad: The Telangana State Cyber Security Bureau (TGCSB) busted an international SIM racket and arrested three men in connection with the fraud. TGCSB has launched a comprehensive investigation into a complex cybercrime network involved in the illegal procurement and sale of SIM cards and bank accounts. The police have recovered 115 SIM cards from the accused possession.
The arrested were identified as Shaik Subhani, K. Naveen, and M. Prem Kumar.The accused’s operation spans multiple Indian states and extends internationally to countries such as Dubai, Thailand, and Cambodia.
The accused procured SIM cards using the identities of various individuals and entities. These SIM cards were then supplied to cyber criminals and exported primarily through Dubai. The procurement process involved numerous individuals from different states responsible for collecting, transporting, and exporting the SIM cards. Said TGCSB
Key players in Dubai orchestrated the acquisition of SIM cards and bank accounts from associates across India. Vijay, the main accused, collaborated with suppliers in Uttar Pradesh, who couriered SIM cards to Michael. Michael then sent them to Naveen and Subhani via Rapido. During his visits to India, Vijay collected the SIM cards from Naveen and Subhani.
Vijay, employed at a Chinese-run call center in Dubai, sold these SIM cards to the Chinese management at higher prices. Indian buyers also had access to SIM cards through Naveen and Subhani. The scam involved a well-organized network leveraging Telegram groups like “Indian SIM Cards Sale” and “Indian Bank Accounts Sale” to attract buyers. The TGCSB is intensifying efforts to apprehend the key accused and disrupt the illegal operation.
Investigation revealed that the accused purchased for around Rs. 500, the SIM cards were sold for Rs. 1,500 to Rs. 3,000, depending on their position in the supply chain. “The accused created Telegram groups like “Indian SIM Cards Sale” and “Indian Bank Accounts Sale” to attract buyers. Interested parties were contacted privately to negotiate sales, with physical SIM cards delivered for cash. The TGCSB is working to apprehend the main accused in Dubai, who also supplied SIM cards to cybercriminals in Thailand and Cambodia,” said Telangana police in an official note.