Cybercriminals have allegedly developed a new network by misusing people’s identities and mobile connection systems to carry out online fraud. Investigation into the ₹70 lakh digital arrest fraud case involving former airport director Bholanath Prasad Bhagat has revealed that additional SIM cards issued using Aadhaar cards and other identity documents were allegedly being supplied to cybercriminals operating from countries like Cambodia and China.
According to investigators, the network allegedly began from SIM card issuance points. Some SIM sellers or agents are suspected of manipulating the KYC process and misusing customers’ identity documents. When a person approached a telecom distributor or service provider to purchase a new SIM card, the accused allegedly conducted KYC more than once using the same documents.
Using the same identity details, two SIM cards were allegedly issued. While one SIM card was handed over to the actual customer, the second SIM was allegedly retained by the fraudsters. These additional SIM cards were later activated and used for cybercrime activities.
The investigation has further revealed that these SIM cards were allegedly converted into e-SIMs. After conversion, QR codes linked to the e-SIMs were generated and allegedly shared with cybercriminals operating abroad through online platforms. Investigators suspect that cybercrime networks based in Cambodia and China used these numbers for digital arrest scams, fake calls, banking fraud and other online crimes.
During interrogation, accused Sumit allegedly revealed that he obtained SIM cards from Airtel service provider Eeshu Yadav. Sumit allegedly sold these SIM cards to a person named Praveen for around ₹325 each. Praveen allegedly converted the SIM cards into e-SIMs, generated QR codes and forwarded them to foreign cybercriminal groups.
Police are now investigating the entire network and attempting to identify all people involved in the operation. Raids are being conducted to trace Eeshu Yadav. According to the telecom company, if any distributor or authorised agent is found involved in criminal activities, their membership is cancelled and legal action is initiated against them.
Cybercrime experts say that fake SIM cards have become an important component of international cybercrime networks. Renowned cybercrime expert and former IPS officer Professor Triveni Singh said that cybercriminals are no longer relying only on technical loopholes but are also exploiting identity documents, telecom processes and human negligence to execute crimes. He said that strict monitoring, regular verification and accountability in the SIM issuance process are essential because an illegally issued SIM card can help activate large-scale cybercrime networks.
Authorities have advised citizens to remain alert while purchasing new SIM cards. Additional Deputy Commissioner of Police (Crime) Kiran Yadav said that people should ensure that their KYC is completed only once during SIM issuance. He advised customers to personally enter the OTP received on their mobile numbers during the KYC process and never share it with anyone else.
Officials also advised users to verify how many mobile numbers are active in their name after purchasing a SIM card. If any unknown or suspicious SIM connection is found, citizens should immediately report it to the telecom company and the cybercrime helpline number 1930.
Experts have also advised people to provide copies of Aadhaar cards and other identity documents only to authorised vendors. Misuse of such documents can lead to identity theft and their involvement in serious cybercrimes. Police are now investigating the financial transactions, foreign connections and other members linked to this international SIM supply network.
