Guwahati: In a significant crackdown on organised cybercrime, investigating agencies have arrested a key conspirator from Guwahati, dismantling a crucial link in a nationwide fake SIM card network. The accused, identified as Ubaid Ullah, had been absconding for several months and is alleged to have enabled cybercriminal gangs across the country by providing untraceable communication channels.
10,000 Numbers, Endless Scams
According to investigators, the arrest was made as part of Operation Chakra-V, a nationwide drive aimed not only at apprehending cyber fraudsters but also at targeting the infrastructure and facilitators supporting such crimes. Preliminary findings reveal that the accused managed the supply chain of nearly 10,000 illegally procured SIM cards, which were later used in large-scale cyber fraud operations.
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Sources indicate that Ubaid Ullah operated as an “aggregator” based in Guwahati. His role involved sourcing SIM cards through Point of Sale (POS) agents using forged or manipulated documents and distributing them to cybercriminal networks across multiple states. In return, he handled substantial financial transactions through various bank accounts. Investigators have traced suspicious transactions amounting to approximately ₹67 lakh, highlighting the scale and sophistication of the racket.
Forged KYC, Hidden Identities
Officials stated that these SIM cards were widely used in emerging cyber fraud schemes, including “digital arrest” scams, fraudulent loan offers, and high-return investment traps. In such cases, fraudsters typically impersonate government officials or banking representatives, intimidating or luring victims into transferring money. Since the SIM cards were issued using fake identities, tracking down the perpetrators became extremely challenging.
The role of POS agents has also come under scrutiny. Investigations suggest that several agents bypassed mandatory Know Your Customer (KYC) verification norms to issue SIM cards illegally in exchange for commissions. So far, raids have been conducted at around 45 locations across eight states, leading to the arrest of 10 POS agents allegedly linked to the network.
₹67 Lakh Money Trail Blows the Lid Off
Technical analysis has further revealed that courier services were used to transport these fraudulent SIM cards across regions, indicating a well-organised and professionally managed operation. Authorities are now working to identify other links in the supply chain to dismantle the network completely.
Cybersecurity experts believe such enabling networks form the backbone of modern cybercrime. “Cybercriminals rarely operate in isolation; they depend heavily on support systems like fake SIMs and mule accounts, which have become their most critical tools,” said renowned cybercrime expert and former IPS officer Prof. Triveni Singh. He warned that unless these support structures are systematically dismantled, curbing cyber fraud will remain a major challenge.
Operation Chakra-V Targets the Real Backbone of Cybercrime
Investigators have indicated that further arrests are likely, as several members of the network remain at large. Efforts are ongoing to track them using digital evidence and banking trails.
Authorities have also urged the public to remain vigilant against unknown calls, suspicious investment schemes, and threats issued in the name of legal or government action. Citizens are advised to report any cyber fraud incidents immediately through official helplines to ensure timely intervention.
This crackdown is being seen as a strategic shift in India’s fight against cybercrime—focusing not just on offenders but on dismantling the entire ecosystem that enables such illegal activities.
