The Central Bureau of Investigation has intensified its nationwide crackdown on cybercrime infrastructure under Operation Chakra-V, arresting Ubaid Ullah in Guwahati and describing him as a key conspirator in a racket involving fraudulently issued SIM cards used in multiple scams across India.
Arrest Linked to Large SIM Distribution Network
Ullah had been absconding since August 2025 and is accused of playing a central role in procuring and distributing nearly 10,000 fraudulently issued SIM cards. Investigators said these SIM cards were later used in scams including digital arrest frauds, fake loan schemes and bogus investment operations.
The investigation also found that Ullah allegedly transferred around Rs 67 lakh through multiple bank accounts to Point of Sale agents in exchange for the SIM cards. Officials said courier services were also used to transport the cards, indicating a structured and organised network.
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Searches Across States Led to More Arrests
The CBI said the case highlights how cybercriminals exploit weak verification processes at POS outlets to create anonymous communication channels that can support large-scale fraud. These SIM cards, investigators said, formed the backbone of operations that targeted victims across the country and caused substantial financial losses.
As part of the probe, searches were conducted at 45 locations across eight states, leading to the arrest of 10 POS agents allegedly linked to the racket. Officials said the network is viewed as a critical enabler of organised cybercrime.
Operation Chakra-V Focuses on Infrastructure
Operation Chakra-V is a strategic shift in India’s fight against cybercrime, with a focus not only on direct perpetrators but also on facilitators and logistics networks that sustain illegal activity. The CBI said coordinated and intelligence-driven action, along with inter-agency collaboration, remains central to the effort.
With Ullah’s arrest, investigators are now working to identify and apprehend other conspirators linked to the racket. The stated aim is to dismantle the infrastructure that allows cybercriminal operations to function and expand.
About the author – Rehan Khan is a law student and legal journalist with a keen interest in cybercrime, digital fraud, and emerging technology laws. He writes on the intersection of law, cybersecurity, and online safety, focusing on developments that impact individuals and institutions in India.
