TGCSB Busts SIM Fraud Racket Linked to Cambodia-Based Syndicate; 5 Arrested

Hyderabad, Apr 1 (TNT): The Telangana Cyber Security Bureau (TGCSB) has arrested five persons in connection with a cyber fraud network linked to a Cambodia-based syndicate that allegedly diverted over 600 Indian SIM cards for illegal activities.
The accused were nabbed from Hyderabad, Warangal and Uttar Pradesh for their involvement in procuring and supplying SIM cards used in cybercrimes such as phishing, identity theft and financial fraud, said TGCSB Director Shikha Goel in a release here on Wednesday.
The case came to light on March 31 when one of the accused was intercepted at the Rajiv Gandhi International Airport while attempting to travel to Cambodia with 198 SIM cards, she said.
He was later handed over to TGCSB, following which a case was registered under relevant provisions of the IT Act, BNS and the Telecommunication Act. Investigations revealed that the network has been operational since 2023, with more than 600 SIM cards illegally transported in multiple instances through a well-organised supply chain involving local agents and point-of-sale operators, said Shikha Goel.
She said the SIM cards were procured using fake or impersonated documents and supplied to overseas handlers, who used them for large-scale financial frauds targeting Indian citizens.
The arrested persons include key operatives involved in procurement and distribution of SIM cards through telecom point-of-sale outlets, she said.
One more accused is absconding and efforts are underway to trace him, along with other members of the network operating from abroad, she said.
The bureau warned that such activities pose serious threats to national security and public order, and reiterated its zero-tolerance policy towards cybercrime.
It also advised citizens to remain vigilant while sharing personal documents for SIM cards or bank accounts and to verify SIM details through official platforms to prevent misuse.
TNT TS