In a significant development, the Central Bureau of Investigation (CBI) has identified over 64,000 mobile numbers allegedly procured using forged documents and potentially utilized in cybercrimes across Southeast Asian nations. This revelation follows extensive searches conducted at 42 locations spanning eight Indian states, targeting fraudulent SIM card operations.
The CBI's investigation, part of the ongoing "Operation Chakra V," has spotlighted the role of 1,930 point-of-sale (PoS) agents nationwide, with 39 already named in a First Information Report (FIR). These agents are accused of selling approximately 1,100 "ghost SIM cards" to cybercriminals. The fraudulent SIMs were allegedly used in various illicit activities, including "digital arrests," impersonation scams, fake advertisements, investment frauds, and unauthorized UPI transactions.
The modus operandi involved PoS agents manipulating the e-KYC process. When a customer applied for a SIM card, agents would falsely claim authentication failures, prompting repeated KYC submissions. Unbeknownst to the customers, the agents would then issue additional SIM cards using the same documents, which were subsequently sold to cybercriminals. These "ghost SIMs" facilitated the creation of mule bank accounts and enabled fraudulent communications.
Analysis of complaints from the National Cyber Crime Reporting portal revealed that many of these SIM cards, issued by Indian telecom companies, were active in roaming status within Southeast Asian countries. This cross-border element underscores the transnational nature of the cybercrimes and the urgent need for international cooperation in addressing such threats.
The CBI's findings also suggest potential collusion with unidentified telecom service provider executives, indicating systemic vulnerabilities in the SIM issuance process.The agency has emphasized the necessity of probing the involvement of telecom officials to prevent future exploitation of the system.
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