The Central Bureau of Investigation has arrested an Airtel area distributor from Bihar after an investigation into an illegal SIM Box operation found links to at least 73 cybercrime cases across India, including cases involving the so-called “Digital Arrest” modus operandi.
Who Has Been Arrested?
The arrested accused has been identified as Pankaj Kumar, a resident of Mirza Nagar in Vaishali, Bihar.
The CBI said the area distributor of Airtel for Mahua in Vaishali was arrested for his alleged role in issuing a large number of SIM cards fraudulently and passing them on for use in illegal SIM Box operations.
The agency conducted searches at 10 locations in Vaishali district of Bihar and Jagatsinghpur district of Odisha and also searched an arrested person in connection with the case. Mobile phones, laptops, SIM cards and other incriminating material were found during the searches.
How Did the SIM Box Case Begin?
The CBI is investigating an illegal SIM Box operation that was detected in Supaul district of Bihar last year. The case was subsequently transferred to the agency.
More than 1,300 SIM cards were found in the house where the SIM Box was being operated.
The CBI said it collated data indicating that the operation was connected to at least 73 cybercrime cases across India, including cases involving “Digital Arrest” fraud.
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What Did the Probe Find About 1,300 SIM Cards?
Investigators extensively analysed data relating to more than 1,300 SIM cards and identified suspected points of sale.
The CBI found that most of the SIM cards had been issued from Bihar and Odisha. More than 700 of the cards were allegedly issued by an Airtel area distributor by misusing the credentials of more than a dozen points of sale for SIM cards in Vaishali district.
The findings led investigators to examine how such a large number of SIM cards were issued and whose identities had been used in the process.
How Were Subscribers’ Identities Allegedly Misused?
According to the CBI, many subscribers said they had no idea that SIM cards had been issued in their names.
The agency said this was allegedly done either by deceiving people into authorising themselves multiple times for e-KYC when they had visited a SIM card provider for a genuine purpose, or by misusing biometric data collected for another purpose.
The investigation therefore points to the alleged misuse of customer credentials and biometric information to obtain SIM cards without the subscribers knowing that additional connections had been issued in their names.
What Offences Is the CBI Investigating?
The CBI took over the investigation after the case was transferred by the Bihar government.
The agency said it is investigating offences including cheating, forgery and extortion under the Bharatiya Nyaya Sanhita, identity theft and computer-related offences under the Information Technology Act, along with other offences under the Telecommunications Act, 2022.
The investigation is examining the alleged misuse of telecom infrastructure that enabled cyber fraud.
What Has the CBI Warned Citizens About?
The CBI said it would take stringent legal action against individuals and entities that enable cyber fraud by misusing telecom infrastructure.
It also cautioned citizens that there is no concept of a “digital arrest”. People have been urged not to fall prey to calls made in the name of law enforcement agencies demanding money or to fraudulent investment schemes.
The case also highlights the need for people to remain careful when completing e-KYC or providing biometric information for telecom services, particularly when they are asked to authenticate themselves repeatedly.
Also Read: https://the420.in/digital-arrest-scam-india-law/
What You Need to Know
The case shows how fraudulently issued SIM cards can become part of wider cybercrime operations. People should be careful during e-KYC, avoid repeated biometric authentication without a clear reason, and remember that legitimate law enforcement agencies do not place people under a so-called “digital arrest” or demand money over calls.
About the author — Ayesha Aayat writes on cybercrime, digital safety, and emerging online threats. Her work focuses on public awareness, legal clarity, and technology-driven risks.
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