Assam Police Busts Pakistan-Linked Fake SIM Card Racket
In a major crackdown on cyber-enabled anti-national activities, Assam Police have uncovered a fake SIM card racket with alleged connections to Pakistan. The operation, code-named “Operation Ghost SIM,” was conducted in coordination with Military Intelligence and law enforcement agencies across three Indian states.
Operation Ghost SIM: Uncovering the Network
The investigation was launched following intelligence alerts from the Army’s Gajraj Military Intelligence unit, which revealed that Indian SIM cards were being fraudulently acquired and activated using stolen identities. These SIMs were then used to create WhatsApp accounts, enabling the transmission of OTPs and encrypted communication to handlers in Pakistan.
According to officials, the racket facilitated digital anonymity for those engaging in cybercrime and activities that posed a threat to national security.
Arrests and Raids Across India
The multi-state operation led to the arrest of seven individuals from Assam, Rajasthan, and Telangana. The accused were identified as:
- Saddik (47) – arrested in Bharatpur, Rajasthan
- Arif Khan (20) – arrested in Alwar, Rajasthan
- Sajid (21) – arrested in Alwar, Rajasthan
- Akeek (25) – intercepted at Guwahati airport
- Arsad Khan (34) – arrested at New Delhi airport
- Mofijul Islam (19) – from Dhubri, Assam, arrested in Sangareddy, Telangana
- Jakariya Ahmad (24) – arrested in Dhubri, Assam
Police seized 948 pre-activated fake SIM cards during the raids. These numbers were allegedly used for WhatsApp accounts run from across the border, raising alarm over cross-border communication vulnerabilities.
Legal Action and Broader Implications
The arrested individuals have been charged under sections of the Bharatiya Nyaya Sanhita (BNS), the Unlawful Activities (Prevention) Act (UAPA), and the Information Technology Act. The charges include criminal conspiracy and abetment of war against the state.
An additional 14 individuals from Dhubri have been detained for questioning, as authorities believe the racket may be part of a larger syndicate operating nationwide.
Officials have not ruled out the possibility that the SIMs were used for coordinated cyberattacks, fake social media operations, or espionage-related communications.
Advisory to the Public
Assam Police have issued a public advisory warning against answering unknown international WhatsApp calls, particularly from numbers beginning with foreign country codes. Citizens have been urged to report suspicious calls or digital activity to authorities immediately.
This operation highlights the growing threat of digital infiltration through low-cost technological loopholes and the importance of strict Know Your Customer (KYC) enforcement in telecom services.
The bust of this Pakistan-linked SIM fraud network is a reminder of how cyberwarfare and digital espionage are rapidly evolving, necessitating constant vigilance and proactive policing across state and national levels.
