The Tamil Nadu Cyber Crime Wing, led by Dr. Sandeep Mittal, IPS, has successfully dismantled yet another arm of an international cybercrime syndicate operating through high-capacity SIM boxes. Acting on intelligence inputs, special teams raided locations in Delhi, Bihar, and Maharashtra, uncovering a major communication hub designed to mask international calls as domestic ones—an essential component of large-scale digital fraud networks.
The operation’s focal point was the National Capital Region, where simultaneous raids were conducted at Narela and Nilothi. Three individuals — Tarikh Alam (19), Lokesh Kumar (33), and Ashok Kumar (40) — were arrested. Police recovered 24 modified SIM boxes (16 from Narela and 8 from Nilothi), believed to have been used in digital arrest scams run by international cybercrime compounds.
Tracing the Network: From Chennai to the Capital
This bust builds upon a September 2025 crackdown in Chennai, where 14 high-capacity Quectel SIM boxes were seized and six suspects were arrested. Investigations revealed that additional devices were distributed across Ramanathapuram, Delhi, Mumbai, and Bihar.
One key suspect had reportedly handed over eight SIM boxes in Delhi, prompting the latest coordinated raids.
Under the supervision of Tmt. I. Shahnaz, IPS, Superintendent of Police, and a team of Deputy Superintendents and Inspectors, the Tamil Nadu Cyber Crime Wing deployed a multi-jurisdictional response. Analysis of tower dump and call data records (CDR) revealed active usage of these SIM boxes in digital arrest frauds, where victims are coerced through fake police or government calls.
Disrupting the ‘Digital Arrest’ Ecosystem
The digital arrest scam — an emerging form of cyber extortion — uses Voice over Internet Protocol (VoIP) networks and cloned numbers to impersonate officials. Victims are told they are under investigation and pressured into transferring money or sharing personal data.
By dismantling these SIM boxes, authorities have struck at the technical backbone of such operations. In just two months, the Tamil Nadu Cyber Crime Wing has seized 44 SIM boxes, delivering a major setback to international syndicates manipulating India’s telecom infrastructure for fraud.
During a recent address on cyber fraud trends, Prof. Triveni Singh, Former IPS and Cybercrime Expert cautioned:
“The rise of international SIM box crime is not a marginal threat — it’s becoming a core enabler of cross-border financial fraud. With minimal investment and growing access to infrastructure, these syndicates are scaling operations with impunity. Unless we evolve detection, regulation, and prosecution in tandem, the losses will compound.”
Public Advisory: Recognizing and Reporting Scams
Dr. Sandeep Mittal urged citizens to exercise vigilance and avoid becoming conduits for cybercriminals. He cautioned the public not to fall for offers to operate or transport SIM boxes, nor to share bank or personal details via unsolicited calls or video chats.
The advisory also emphasized:
- There is no concept of “digital arrest” in Indian law.
- Government agencies never demand payments over calls or messages.
- Citizens should avoid downloading remote access apps like AnyDesk or TeamViewer on demand.
- Report cyber frauds immediately by calling 1930 or visiting www.cybercrime.gov.in
The seizure of 24 SIM boxes in Delhi underscores the evolving complexity of cyber-enabled financial crimes. As international syndicates adopt advanced VoIP and SIM box routing technologies, the Tamil Nadu Cyber Crime Wing’s proactive, intelligence-led model offers a national blueprint for digital law enforcement cooperation.
