CBI Arrests Telecom Manager and Others for Illegal SIM Card Sales Used in Cybercrimes

The Central Bureau of Investigation (CBI) has apprehended three individuals, including a Territorial Sales Manager from a telecom company, in connection with the unlawful sale of SIM cards. These SIM cards were subsequently employed in various cybercrimes. As part of ‘Operation Chakra,’ aimed at dismantling cybercrime infrastructure, the CBI conducted searches at five locations in the Cachar district of Assam. The investigation revealed the unauthorized sale of SIM cards across the country, which were utilized in digital arrest frauds, impersonation, fraudulent advertisements, investment scams, and UPI-related frauds. The Territorial Sales Manager in Silchar, Assam, allegedly colluded with middlemen, distributors, and Point of Sale (PoS) agents to issue unauthorized SIM cards without the knowledge of the registered users. These sales violated established guidelines and procedures. The illegally obtained SIM cards were sold in bulk to middlemen at inflated prices and were later used in cybercrimes. The searches resulted in the seizure of incriminating evidence, including mobile phones, electronic devices, and KYC document copies. The accused were presented before the local Magistrate Court, and a transit remand was obtained. They are scheduled to appear before the jurisdictional FIR Court.