A major cybercrime operation spanning India and overseas has come to light following an extensive investigation by the Andhra Pradesh Cyber Crime Police.
The case began after a formal complaint from the Department of Telecommunications, which led investigators to uncover a large international fraud network using SIM box technology. Preliminary findings indicate that more than ₹20 crore was cheated within Andhra Pradesh alone, while officials believe the total fraud amount could be much higher.
Investigators found that the accused used SIM box devices to route international calls through local mobile networks. This made overseas calls appear as domestic ones, allowing fraudsters to hide their identity and bypass legal telecom gateways. The method was used to carry out crimes such as fake bank calls, KYC fraud, digital arrest scams, and investment fraud.
Explaining the scale of the operation, Cyber Crime SP Adiraj Singh Rana said police identified 14 active SIM box devices linked to the network. Raids across multiple locations resulted in the seizure of over 1,500 illegally obtained SIM cards. So far, 20 people have been arrested, including local operators, SIM aggregators, and agents accused of supplying SIMs using forged or incomplete documents.
The investigation has also revealed strong international connections. Police arrested a foreign national in West Bengal who allegedly entered India to set up the SIM box infrastructure and train local operators. Officials said the operation was funded from abroad, with cryptocurrency used for payments and operational expenses.
SP Rana stated that the syndicate used cryptocurrency and several “mule accounts” to move money and avoid detection. These layered transactions were designed to evade banking alerts and make tracing difficult. A detailed forensic audit of the financial trail is currently underway.
Police are coordinating with the Customs Department to examine how the SIM box equipment entered India. Early findings suggest the devices were smuggled using misdeclaration and false documentation. Authorities have shared inputs with relevant agencies to tighten monitoring of such imports.
Officials noted that only 2 to 3 SIM box devices have been fully examined so far. As forensic analysis continues, the extent of the fraud and its geographic spread is expected to increase. Several SIM cards linked to the network may still be active in other regions.
Law enforcement agencies are also probing agents and retailers who issued SIM cards without proper KYC verification. Police said such facilitators played a key role in sustaining the network and more arrests are likely.
The case has raised serious concerns about telecom oversight and cyber security, with officials warning that SIM box operations pose a significant national security threat. Citizens have been advised to stay alert to suspicious calls or messages and report them immediately to the cybercrime helpline.
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