In a major breakthrough against organised cybercrime, investigators have arrested a key आरोपी in Guwahati, uncovering a critical link in a nationwide fake SIM card racket. The accused, Ubaid Ullah, had been on the run for months and is believed to have supported cybercriminal groups across India by enabling untraceable communication channels.
The arrest is part of Operation Chakra-V, a nationwide crackdown aimed at targeting not just cyber fraudsters but also the infrastructure that supports them. Officials revealed that the आरोपी managed the supply chain of nearly 10,000 illegally obtained SIM cards, which were later used in large-scale fraud operations.
Investigators said Ubaid Ullah operated as an “aggregator” from Guwahati, sourcing SIM cards through Point of Sale (POS) agents using forged or manipulated documents. These SIM cards were then distributed to cybercrime networks operating across multiple states. Financial investigations have uncovered suspicious transactions worth ₹67 lakh routed through various bank accounts, indicating the scale of the operation.
Authorities noted that these SIM cards were commonly used in scams such as “digital arrest”, fake loan offers, and fraudulent investment schemes. Fraudsters often impersonated officials or banking representatives to intimidate or deceive victims into transferring money. The use of fake identities made tracking offenders extremely difficult.
The investigation has also put POS agents under scrutiny. Several agents allegedly bypassed mandatory KYC norms to issue SIM cards illegally in exchange for commissions. Raids conducted at 45 locations across 8 states have led to the arrest of 10 such agents linked to the network.
Technical findings further revealed that courier services were used to transport these SIM cards, pointing to a highly organised and structured operation. Authorities are continuing efforts to identify and dismantle the remaining network.
Officials have warned that more arrests are likely as several suspects remain absconding. Meanwhile, citizens have been urged to stay alert against suspicious calls, fake investment offers, and threats made in the name of authorities, and to report incidents through official helplines promptly.
This action marks a strategic shift in tackling cybercrime by targeting the entire ecosystem that enables such illegal activities.
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