Delhi Police Arrests Bihar Man Allegedly Selling SIM Cards to International Cyber Criminals

Delhi Police reported the arrest of a man in Bihar for allegedly distributing SIM cards to international cybercriminals. Officials stated that 5,000 SIM cards and 25 mobile phones were seized from Anuj Kumar. He was apprehended in Gaya, Bihar, for supplying SIM cards to individuals in countries such as China, Cambodia, and other South Asian nations.

Deputy Commissioner of Police Southeast Ravi Kumar Singh explained that a complaint was lodged by a company's chartered accountant. The complaint involved a fraud of Rs 20 lakh by someone posing as one of the company's directors. Recognising the seriousness of the crime, a specialised team from the southeast district's cyber police station was assembled. Through thorough analysis of mobile numbers and technical surveillance, Anuj was apprehended.

SIM Card Trafficking Network

Anuj Kumar was identified as the mastermind behind this network. He is a registered vendor and retailer of Airtel SIM cards. During questioning, it was revealed that these SIM cards were used in various cyber fraud schemes, including digital arrest, investment fraud, and financial scams. The accused exploited Gaya's status as a major tourist destination for South Asian travellers to facilitate his operations.

The high influx of international tourists, particularly from South Asia, allowed Anuj to establish a distribution network for illegally obtained SIM cards. "Exploiting the high influx of international tourists, particularly from South Asia, the accused set up a distribution network for illegally procured SIM cards," Singh stated.

Illegal SIM Distribution

The officer detailed how Anuj organised SIM vending camps in rural areas to procure cards in bulk. He issued four to five SIM cards on a single identity. These SIMs were then trafficked internationally through Gaya and Nepal to tourists. This enabled anonymous and untraceable communications for cyber fraud operations.

This sophisticated network ensured a continuous supply of untraceable SIM cards to cybercriminals operating across borders. According to police statements, Anuj has supplied more than 1,000 illegal SIM cards outside India so far.

Ongoing Investigation

Police recovered 3,400 Airtel SIM cards and the remaining were Vodafone SIM cards. The investigation into this case is still ongoing as authorities continue to unravel the extent of this operation.

The police are committed to dismantling such networks that facilitate cybercrime on an international scale. They are working diligently to uncover further details and connections related to this case.