New Delhi: In a decisive move to curb cybercrime and Digital Arrest scams, the Ministry of Home Affairs (MHA) has directed states and Union Territories (UTs) to take strict action against fraudulent SIM card issuers who facilitate cybercriminal activities. This comes after the Indian Cyber Crime Coordination Centre (I4C) and the Department of Telecommunications (DoT) uncovered a network of SIM cards being used for digital frauds and ransom-like scams originating from Southeast Asian countries, particularly Cambodia.
What is Digital Arrest?
Digital Arrest is an emerging cybercrime tactic where victims are tricked, coerced, or threatened into compliance through online scams, often leading to financial fraud and extortion. These crimes have been flagged at the highest level, with increasing cases linked to cybercriminal networks operating in Cambodia, Laos, and Myanmar.
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Crackdown on SIM Card Fraud
Investigations have revealed that cybercriminals obtain SIM cards in bulk through fraudulent PoS agents working with Telecom Service Providers (TSPs). These SIM cards are then used for various cybercrimes, including Digital Arrest scams, stock market frauds, and parcel scams.
According to reports, many such SIM cards are found active in Cambodia, enabling fraudsters to target Indian citizens remotely. The MHA, through I4C and DoT, has now identified the specific sources of these SIM cards in Uttar Pradesh and other states, leading to a major crackdown on PoS agents involved in illegal SIM issuance.
Action Plan and State-Level Enforcement
The Home Ministry has outlined a multi-pronged approach to fight this menace:
- Strict Legal Action Against PoS Agents: States have been directed to identify and prosecute PoS agents who illegally issue SIM cards for cybercrime purposes.
- Blocking of Fraudulent SIM Cards: I4C and DoT are working together to deactivate SIM cards linked to scams and prevent further misuse.
- Holding Telecom Service Providers (TSPs) Accountable: TSPs found negligent in their verification processes could face regulatory action if they fail to curb fraudulent SIM card issuance.
- Collaboration with International Agencies: Since Digital Arrest cases often originate from abroad, MHA is strengthening its coordination with global cybercrime units to track down perpetrators operating from foreign territories.
Urgent Call for Action
The MHA has requested that all state authorities report back on the action taken against identified fraudulent PoS agents and TSPs. Cybercrime units across India have been mobilized to dismantle networks involved in the procurement and misuse of SIM cards for illegal activities.
This latest move signals a strong crackdown on telecom fraud and highlights the government’s commitment to protecting citizens from cyber threats.
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