A major cybercrime operation has been uncovered in Assam after authorities cracked down on a group allegedly running a cyber fraud network and an illegal SIM card business in Kamrup district. The Cyber Police Station of the Crime Investigation Department (CID) carried out the action after receiving credible intelligence about individuals illegally procuring SIM cards and using personal documents to create mule bank accounts for financial fraud. Acting on the information, officials registered suo motu case No. 01/2026 and conducted multiple raids across different locations on March 8.
Investigators discovered that the accused were operating around 200 SIM cards obtained illegally, violating telecom regulations. Authorities believe the operation may have links to a larger interstate cyber fraud network. During the raids, police seized several incriminating items including KYC documents of more than 1,000 individuals, 54 bank passbooks issued under different names, 10 blank cheque books, 5 unused debit cards, nearly 1,000 unissued SIM cards and around 500 SIM card covers. Initial analysis also showed that some of the seized SIM cards were already linked to cyber fraud incidents reported in multiple states.
Officials also found usage patterns suggesting that some SIM cards were being used for SIMBOX operations. This technique allows fraudsters to route international calls through local telecom networks, helping them hide their identities and avoid detection. Investigators further revealed that the accused were running a handloom training centre which acted as a front for the illegal activities. The centre allegedly advertised training programmes to attract women applicants and collected their personal identification documents during registration.
Police said these documents were later used to activate SIM cards and open mule bank accounts that helped transfer and launder money obtained through cyber fraud schemes. Authorities arrested 5 individuals in connection with the case: Moinul Hoque from Kalita Kuchi under Hajo Police Station, Moon Kalita from Sauramuri village under Kayan Police Station, Kangakan Kalita from Sauramuri village under Kayan Police Station, Hirak Jyoti Kalita from Balisatra village under Kayan Police Station and Mostakim Ahmed from Dhuhi village under Kayan Police Station. The investigation is ongoing to identify victims whose documents were misused and to trace links with cyber fraud cases across the country. Assam Police has also advised citizens to avoid sharing Aadhaar, PAN details, bank information or personal photographs with unknown individuals and to report suspicious calls or online activity through the National Cyber Crime Helpline 1930 or the website cybercrime.gov.in.
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