Sri Ganganagar, Rajasthan | A major international cybercrime network has been exposed amid rising concerns over large-scale digital fraud in India, involving an estimated ₹1,100 crore in losses linked to coordinated overseas scam operations.
Sri Ganganagar Cyber Police have arrested Sunil Nayak, who is accused of illegally sourcing and supplying mobile SIM cards to foreign cybercrime syndicates operating across borders.
According to investigators, the accused procured more than 500 SIM cards using different identities and sold them at ₹300 to ₹500 per SIM. These SIM cards were later routed to Cambodia, where they were allegedly used in large-scale cyber fraud operations.
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The investigation revealed that between September and November 2025, around 2,30,000 suspicious mobile numbers were tracked, out of which nearly 36,000 SIM cards were found active on international roaming in Cambodia.
These SIM cards were reportedly used in investment scams, trading frauds, and WhatsApp-based impersonation calls, leading to significant financial losses for Indian citizens.
Cybercrime experts believe the network is highly organized, with four Malaysian nationals identified as the key masterminds. Look Out Circulars (LOCs) have been issued against them. The syndicate is believed to be operating call centers based in Cambodia and nearby regions, where individuals are lured with fake job offers and then forced into executing cyber fraud targeting Indian victims.
A renowned cybercrime expert and former IPS officer, Prof. Triveni Singh, noted that such operations rely heavily on social engineering techniques and fake employment traps to manipulate and recruit victims into fraudulent networks.
Investigators also found that one of the SIM cards linked to this network was used in a ₹8.9 crore fraud case reported in Cyberabad, Telangana, further establishing cross-state and international linkages.
Authorities have confirmed that approximately 5,300 SIM cards were directly involved in fraudulent activities, contributing to the overall estimated loss exceeding ₹1,100 crore.
Officials suspect that the entire operation was built on fake KYC documentation and misuse of digital identity systems, with local SIM card vendors playing a crucial role in distributing the numbers.
Experts have warned that rising incidents of fake investment schemes, job scams, and impersonation calls are becoming increasingly sophisticated, urging citizens to remain cautious while handling unknown calls and offers.
The case highlights the expanding global footprint of cybercrime networks targeting India, where SIM cards have become a critical tool for executing large-scale fraud. Cambodia and several Southeast Asian regions are emerging as major hubs for such cyber operations, often run through organized call center setups.
Due to the international nature of the syndicate, Indian investigative agencies are now coordinating with global counterparts to trace the masterminds and dismantle the network.
Cybersecurity experts emphasize that unless strict monitoring of SIM issuance and KYC verification is enforced, such large-scale frauds are likely to continue, causing repeated financial damage to citizens.
The arrested accused, Sunil Nayak, is currently under police custody for further interrogation. Authorities are investigating the full extent of the SIM distribution network and the channels through which the cards were routed to Cambodia. The probe is ongoing, with further revelations expected.
