Guwahati | Assam Police’s CID has dismantled a large-scale cyber fraud network, arresting five accused in the operation. During the raids, authorities recovered 200 active and 1,000 inactive SIM cards, along with 54 bank passbooks and personal identity documents under multiple names.
Preliminary investigations revealed that many of the recovered SIM cards were linked to previously registered cybercrime cases across several states. Police confirmed that the cards were being used in SIMBOX operations, where international calls are routed through local networks to commit fraud. This method makes it extremely difficult to trace the perpetrators or monitor the network’s operations.
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The arrested accused have been identified as Moinul Haque, Moon Kalita, Kangkan Kalita, Hirak Jyoti Kalita, and Mostakim Ahmed. Officials reported that the network was actively misusing personal identity documents to create mule SIM cards and bank accounts. Vulnerable women were reportedly deceived into providing identity documents under false pretenses.
CID officials confirmed that examination of the recovered documents and SIM cards revealed that nearly 200 SIM cards were being operated illegally, forming part of a larger inter-state syndicate. The accused carried out multiple financial transactions through these cards and mule accounts, generating significant monetary gains.
Cybersecurity expert Shikha Singh, Senior Research Associate, Centre for Police Technology, said, “SIMBOX networks are not limited to technical fraud alone. They create an extensive web of identity theft and financial crime. Banks and telecom companies need to strictly verify identity documents and maintain regular monitoring of suspicious transactions.”
Investigations also revealed that the accused had misused personal identity documents to activate mule SIM cards and open bank accounts, which were then used for cyber fraud across other states. CID officials emphasized that this operation represents a highly organized and large-scale criminal network, exploiting technology to commit financial fraud.
Experts have warned that securing digital financial systems cannot rely solely on technical measures. Employee awareness, robust network protocols, offline backups, and continuous data monitoring are crucial to prevent such crimes,
This case underscores how the misuse of digital identities and SIM cards can serve as a mechanism for large-scale financial fraud. The CID’s action sends a clear message that organized cybercriminals will face strict scrutiny and enforcement at the state level.
About the author — Suvedita Nath is a science student with a growing interest in cybercrime and digital safety. She writes on online activity, cyber threats, and technology-driven risks. Her work focuses on clarity, accuracy, and public awareness.
