A large-scale cyber fraud network with global connections has been exposed in Gurugram, where illegal SIM box technology was used to route calls and carry out scams across India. Investigations reveal that the operation was controlled from the Philippines, with local operatives handling execution on the ground.
The case surfaced after 2 house owners reported suspicious activities by their tenants. Acting on these inputs, authorities conducted raids at rented premises and recovered multiple SIM box setups, also known as GSM gateways, used to mask call origins and bypass telecom monitoring systems.
Following 2 FIRs registered on March 17, officials seized significant equipment, including 5 SIM boxes with 32 SIM ports each, 8 routers, 18 batteries, 3 UPS systems, and 504 SIM cards from different telecom operators. A mobile phone used in the operation was also confiscated.
Investigations indicate a well-organised international supply chain. The equipment was routed from the Philippines to Nepal and then brought into India via Bihar. It was later distributed to locations such as Gurugram, where rented houses were used as operational hubs to avoid detection.
One accused, Rahul Kumar, has been arrested for his role in managing logistics. Based in Noida, he allegedly received the equipment and delivered it across locations. During questioning, it was revealed that he was in constant contact with a handler in the Philippines, who guided operations through video calls, suggesting remote control of the network.
Kumar also admitted to delivering equipment in Gurugram and receiving around ₹15,000. Investigators believe the payment trail may be linked to foreign operators, confirming the cross-border nature of the racket.
SIM box technology allows international calls to be converted into local calls, making them difficult to trace. This method is widely used in cybercrimes such as phishing, OTP fraud, and impersonation scams.
Experts warn that such networks combine advanced technology with social engineering tactics to exploit victims while evading detection. Authorities have now widened the investigation to identify more individuals involved and assess the scale of operations.
The case highlights the growing global nature of cybercrime and the need for stronger coordination between agencies, along with enhanced surveillance systems to tackle organised digital fraud.
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