Kanpur: Kanpur Police have filed a 267-page chargesheet against five accused allegedly involved in supplying thousands of pre-activated SIM cards to cyber fraudsters through a Delhi-based call centre. The case, which surfaced during the investigation of an online investment fraud, exposed an organised network that allegedly provided bulk activated SIM cards to cybercriminals operating through Telegram and other social media platforms. Investigators have included electronic evidence, Call Detail Records (CDRs), and statements of 16 witnesses in the chargesheet, which was filed within 60 days of the arrests.
According to investigators, the case originated after Keshav Agnihotri, an IT professional from Kanpur working in Hyderabad, reported being cheated in an online gaming scam. On April 18, he allegedly received a promotional phone call from a woman identifying herself as Neha Sharma, who persuaded him to participate in an online task-based game called “Zen Go Game.” She claimed that users could earn substantial profits by completing simple tasks and investing money through the platform.
Initially, the victim invested small amounts and reportedly received returns, reinforcing his confidence in the scheme. After winning on his first two attempts, including a transaction in which he invested ₹1,000 and allegedly received ₹1,500 in return, he believed the platform was genuine. Encouraged by these initial gains, he later invested ₹3 lakh, after which the promised returns stopped and he was allegedly unable to recover his money, prompting him to approach the police.
During the investigation, police traced the mobile number used in the fraud to Next Generation Enterprises, a firm registered in the name of Rishi Sharma alias Rinku, a resident of Vasundhara in Ghaziabad. Further investigation revealed links to a call centre operating from Badarpur, Delhi, which investigators believe functioned as a supply hub for pre-activated SIM cards allegedly used in cyber fraud operations across different states.
Based on technical surveillance, digital evidence, and interrogation of suspects, investigators identified the alleged members of the network. On May 30, 2026, police arrested Rishi Sharma alias Rinku, Utsav Tyagi alias Ankit, Durgesh Kumar, Ajay Mittal, and Sachin near the Patanjali warehouse close to the Panki Highway underpass in Kanpur. All five accused were subsequently produced before a court and remanded to judicial custody.
The investigation led to the recovery of 12,383 SIM cards, making it one of the significant seizures in a cybercrime-related investigation. Investigators found that nearly 50% of the recovered SIM cards were already activated, while many had reportedly been issued within the previous 60 days. Police believe these SIM cards were supplied in bulk to cybercriminals, enabling them to create fake digital identities, operate fraudulent call centres, open accounts on messaging platforms, and execute online scams while concealing their real identities.
Apart from the SIM cards, investigators also seized Call Detail Records (CDRs), electronic devices, digital documents, and other forensic evidence that allegedly establish communication links between the accused and various cyber fraud operations. The 267-page chargesheet contains detailed technical findings, financial records, witness statements, and electronic evidence collected during the investigation. Authorities believe the material provides substantial evidence regarding the functioning of the alleged SIM supply network and its role in facilitating organised cybercrime.
Renowned cybercrime expert and former IPS officer Prof. Triveni Singh said that pre-activated SIM cards have become one of the most important tools used by organised cybercrime syndicates. According to him, fraudsters exploit such SIM cards to anonymously operate fake customer support services, investment scams, phishing campaigns, and social engineering attacks without immediately revealing their identities. He emphasised that stricter verification during SIM issuance, continuous monitoring by telecom service providers, and close coordination between telecom companies, banks, and law enforcement agencies are essential to dismantle such networks.
Investigators said the probe is continuing to identify additional beneficiaries, distributors, and associates linked to the SIM supply chain. If further evidence establishes the involvement of other individuals or organised cybercrime networks, additional arrests and supplementary chargesheets may follow as the investigation progresses.
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.
