An investigation into suspected misuse of mobile connections has led Bengaluru cyber police to register separate cases against 5 SIM-card agencies. More than 45 mobile numbers activated in the city were allegedly linked to cybercrime cases reported across multiple states under an operation called Cyber Shield.
The investigation began after data from the National Cybercrime Reporting Portal was sent to the Cyber Command Centre for analysis. Police found that SIM cards activated through Bengaluru agencies had allegedly been used in fraud cases reported in New Delhi, Kerala, Maharashtra, Bihar, Haryana, Tamil Nadu and Andhra Pradesh.
The agencies under scrutiny include Balaji Enterprises in Kurubarahalli and employees of a private mobile company outlet in the RT Nagar and Sahakara Nagar areas. North Division cyber police have filed separate first information reports, while other divisions are examining additional SIM-selling outlets across the city.
Alleged lapses in SIM activation
A senior police officer said the agencies allegedly sold and activated SIM cards without properly verifying the required documents, reportedly to earn commissions. Police have issued notices directing agency representatives to appear for questioning and submit original Aadhaar and other documents collected during activation.
Investigators are examining whether personal identity details were misused to obtain SIM cards that later reached cyber fraud networks. Cases have been registered under the Information Technology Act and relevant cheating provisions in connection with the alleged sale of more than 45 SIM cards.
Telecom rules require agencies to collect recognised identity documents, such as Aadhaar or voter identification, from Indian citizens. They must also capture the customer’s live photograph and complete electronic know-your-customer verification before activating a SIM. An individual can hold a maximum of 9 SIM cards, subject to the required checks.
Police suspect that some telecom representatives misused Aadhaar numbers and other personal details belonging to unsuspecting citizens to activate connections. These SIM cards may then have been passed to cyber fraudsters, making it harder to trace their actual users.
Court directive and ongoing investigation
The probe comes amid wider concerns about mobile connections being used for cyber fraud. The report also cited a recent Karnataka High Court decision refusing to quash a case against a person accused of illegally selling SIM cards in Abbareddy Layout. The court directed the Cyber Command Director General of Police to frame guidelines for investigating SIM-card misuse and unauthorised activation.
Police are continuing to question the agencies, review verification records and inspect other outlets to establish how the SIM cards were activated, whose documents were used and whether more sellers were involved.
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