Digital arrest fraud probe reveals over 1,000 Indian SIM cards smuggled abroad in two years; Airtel agent arrested, Dubai-based operators under scanner
Ahmedabad – Ahmedabad Cyber Crime Police have uncovered a major cross-border SIM card trafficking network while investigating a ₹25-lakh “digital arrest” scam targeting a senior citizen. Four members of the syndicate have been arrested, while two key operators are believed to be running the illegal operations from Dubai.
A telecom insider at the centre of the racket
The prime accused, Vijay Rawal, worked as an Airtel agent and distributor. Investigators allege that Rawal issued a large number of SIM cards using forged or fraudulently acquired customer documents, which were later funneled to foreign scam operations.
Two accomplices — Shubham Paradiya and Kiran Thakkar — coordinated the bulk procurement and shipment of SIM cards overseas. The fourth accused, Kuldeep Joshi, had links with illegal betting call centres in Dubai and frequently travelled to Gujarat to facilitate deliveries.
SIMs sold abroad for ₹1,500 each
Police disclosed that the trio supplied more than 1,000 SIM cards to Dubai-based criminal handlers over the past two years. The overseas operators — identified as Bhavesh Joshi alias “Laden” and Kanu Varahi — paid ₹1,500 per SIM.
Local agents allegedly incentivised migrant labourers and unsuspecting citizens with ₹500–700 per SIM in exchange for their identity credentials, enabling misuse of KYC norms at scale.
“These SIMs served as untraceable communication channels for organised cybercrime including digital arrest scams, illegal betting and online gaming fraud,” police said.
Senior citizen defrauded: Trail leads offshore
The investigation originated from a WhatsApp number used to intimidate a senior citizen under the guise of enforcement authorities. The victim was coerced into paying ₹25 lakh — a modus operandi now widely recognised as “digital arrest” fraud, where victims are mentally cornered and threatened with fabricated legal action.
Digital forensics traced the communication to overseas cybercrime hubs, establishing Dubai links and unearthing the wider SIM supply racket.
KYC violations raise national security alarms
Officials warn that the illegal proliferation of SIM cards has wider implications:
- Criminals evade telecom surveillance and legal identification
- Cross-border fraud becomes harder to track
- Potential misuse for terror financing and high-value financial crimes
As part of the crackdown, Ahmedabad cyber police have initiated queries to telecom service providers on how large-scale fraudulent KYC approvals bypassed scrutiny.
Authorities push awareness to curb SIM misuse
Cyber officials are urging citizens to remain cautious:
- Do not allow SIM cards to be issued in your name for others
- Verify documents before sharing them for telecom services
- Report digital arrest threats or suspicious calls to the 1930 helpline immediately
A network still under watch
While four individuals are in custody, investigators believe the nexus extends far beyond the arrests made so far. Authorities are coordinating with central agencies to locate and apprehend the Dubai-based masterminds and trace the ultimate beneficiaries of SIM-enabled cyber fraud.
The operation marks a significant breakthrough in India’s growing fight against SIM-based cybercrime, though enforcement agencies insist that many operatives and sleeper modules remain active and must be dismantled.
