New Delhi, May 10 (H.S.): The Central Bureau of Investigation (CBI) has taken action against a gang involved in illegally providing SIM cards to cybercriminals. This action is related to transnational cyber crime networks and offenses like ‘digital arrest.’ Under ‘Operation Chakra-V,’ simultaneous raids were conducted on 42 locations across 8 states on Saturday targeting these criminals. A total of 5 individuals have been arrested. The CBI raided the premises of point-of-sale agents of telecom operators in Assam, West Bengal, Bihar, Uttar Pradesh, Maharashtra, Telangana, Karnataka, and Tamil Nadu. It is alleged that these agents were issuing SIM cards based on fraudulent KYC documents in collusion with cybercriminals. These SIM cards were used in cases involving digital arrests, fake advertisements, investment fraud, and UPI fraud.

During the raids, the CBI seized mobile phones, electronic devices, suspicious KYC documents, and documents related to properties purchased with the proceeds of crime. All five arrested suspects are from four different states and are accused of selling SIM cards in violation of telecom regulations.

Hindusthan Samachar / Jun Sarkar