Meerut | A major interstate cybercrime syndicate operating through fake telephone exchanges and SIM box networks has been exposed, revealing how fraudsters executed “digital arrest” scams across multiple states in India. According to a joint investigation by police and the Anti-Terrorism Squad (ATS), the gang is linked to at least 50 identified cases involving fraud of approximately ₹2.70 crore.
Investigators said the breakthrough came after a raid in the Lisari Gate area of Meerut, where a fake telephone exchange setup was uncovered. The site contained multiple SIM box devices, SIM cards obtained using forged identities, and other telecom-related equipment used for illegal call routing. The seizure triggered a wider investigation that gradually exposed the full extent of the network.
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Data analysis conducted through the National Cyber Crime Reporting Portal (NCRP) and the coordination portal revealed that the system was not merely being used for call routing, but was actively enabling organized cyber fraud operations. The accused allegedly concealed their identities while targeting victims across different states.
According to officials, the gang impersonated law enforcement authorities and contacted victims under the pretext of “digital arrest,” claiming they were under investigation in serious criminal cases. Victims were psychologically pressured into believing they were under surveillance, after which they were coerced into sharing banking details and transferring money under the guise of verification or legal compliance.
Investigators further found that the SIM box-based infrastructure allowed both domestic and international calls to be routed through multiple channels, making it extremely difficult to trace the origin of the calls. This technological masking enabled the syndicate to operate undetected for a long period.
Cybercrime expert and former IPS officer Professor Triveni Singh said, “Such networks have become highly structured and technologically advanced. He noted that in “digital arrest” frauds, criminals combine psychological manipulation, caller ID spoofing, and institutional fear to control victims”. According to him, “SIM box systems and virtual telephone exchanges make these scams nearly untraceable without deep technical investigation”.
Officials stated that analysis of seized devices and digital data confirms the involvement of a coordinated cyber fraud syndicate spread across multiple states. The network reportedly includes individuals responsible for technical operations, identity fabrication, and financial layering.
The investigation also revealed that the accused used forged documents to procure SIM cards in bulk, which were then inserted into SIM box devices capable of handling hundreds of simultaneous calls. This allowed the fraudsters to simulate legitimate calls from official agencies, increasing the credibility of their threats.
Authorities confirmed that the 50 identified cases share a consistent pattern: initial intimidation through fake allegations, followed by claims of digital surveillance or arrest, and finally coercion to transfer money to designated accounts.
A senior investigating officer said the system was designed with multiple technical layers to avoid detection through conventional policing methods. “We are analyzing transaction records and digital footprints using NCRP data. This is a multi-layered network involving several actors,” the officer said.
Preliminary findings suggest that the syndicate may extend beyond northern India and could have international linkages. Multiple enforcement teams are now tracking financial flows and attempting to identify the key masterminds believed to be operating from outside the country.
Cybersecurity agencies have issued advisories urging citizens not to share personal or banking information with unknown callers, reiterating that “digital arrest” is not a legally recognized procedure and is commonly used as a psychological tactic in cyber fraud cases.
