In a major development in the investigation into digital arrest scams, Lucknow Police have recovered 6 illegal SIM boxes and several telecommunications devices from 4 locations across the city. The operation was conducted under Operation Digital Kavach to identify infrastructure allegedly used to carry out fraudulent calls. The recovered SIM boxes can accommodate a total of 192 SIM cards.
The seizure follows an earlier investigation in Varanasi, where police arrested 2 people in October and identified Lucknow-based Saugat Asthana as the alleged mastermind. He remains absconding and is now being sought in connection with the Lucknow premises.
Four locations raided across Lucknow
On October 31, teams from the cyber police station and cybercrime cell conducted simultaneous searches at:
-
Swati Apartment, Sushant Golf City
-
Ashirwad Building, Adarsh Vihar, Para
-
Gold Line Apartment, BBD
-
GJ Paradise, Adarsh Nagar, Chinhat
Police recovered 6 32-port SIM boxes, 3 VPN gateways, 21 smart switches, 3 smart hubs, 4 inverter or UPS units and 18 batteries.
A locked tablet, Wi-Fi routers, security cameras and other electronic devices were also seized. No arrests were reported during the raids. The equipment has been sent for technical examination.
The investigation began after police received a technical alert about a suspicious mobile number. Officers analysed call detail records and technical inputs from telecom and internet service providers. This helped identify high-speed internet connections and locations suspected to be linked to the number.
Investigation linked to earlier Varanasi seizure
In October, Varanasi Police recovered 6 SIM boxes with 192 slots from 3 rented premises and arrested 2 suspected network members, Mohammad Abid and Shashi Shekhar Singh.
Investigators identified Saugat Asthana, a Lucknow resident, as the alleged mastermind. A mule bank account linked to the case was reportedly associated with 41 cybercrime complaints across the country.
One account had allegedly received ₹25 lakh from a woman in Pune who was targeted in a digital arrest scam. Local reports suggest that Asthana rented the 4 premises searched in Lucknow.
How SIM boxes support cyber fraud
SIM boxes hold multiple SIM cards and can route internet-based calls through mobile networks. When used with Voice over Internet Protocol (VoIP) systems and VPN gateways, they can make international calls appear to originate from local mobile numbers.
This can make fraudulent calls harder to identify and trace. Scammers often impersonate police, CBI or other government officials and threaten victims with arrest or legal action to force money transfers.
What happens next?
Police are examining the seized devices, SIM cards and call records to establish how the equipment was used and identify its operators. Investigators will also check possible links with reported cybercrime cases.
The investigation highlights the growing role of telecommunications infrastructure in digital fraud. Authorities have cautioned that receiving a call from an Indian mobile number does not prove that the caller represents a government agency. Legitimate investigators do not impose digital arrests through video calls or demand immediate money transfers to settle an investigation.
The extent of the suspected network and its links to other fraud cases will depend on further technical findings and police action.
Also read: Viksit Workforce for a Viksit Bharat
Do Follow: The Mainstream LinkedIn | The Mainstream Facebook | The Mainstream Youtube | The Mainstream Twitter
About us:
The Mainstream is a premier platform delivering the latest updates and informed perspectives across the technology business and cyber landscape. Built on research-driven, thought leadership and original intellectual property, The Mainstream also curates summits & conferences that convene decision makers to explore how technology reshapes industries and leadership. With a growing presence in India and globally across the Middle East, Africa, ASEAN, the USA, the UK and Australia, The Mainstream carries a vision to bring the latest happenings and insights to 8.2 billion people and to place technology at the centre of conversation for leaders navigating the future.