Cybercrime police uncover two more SIM box farms in Tamil Nadu

The breakthrough follows a technical investigation into the illegal SIM box network. | Image for representational purposes only

Officials of the Cyber Command Unit have detected two more illegal SIM box farm sites in Tamil Nadu’s Tiruchirappalli and Thanjavur districts as part of their investigation into an inter-State SIM box network case, registered at Whitefield Police Station.

The breakthrough follows a technical investigation into the illegal SIM box network, with investigators seizing 10 eSIM-enabled SIM box devices from two locations in Bengaluru last week — Kadugodi and Pattandur Agrahara — where the equipment was allegedly being operated. The Whitefield cybercrime police have busted the racket and arrested four people in connection with an alleged illegal SIM box network operating from two apartments in Whitefield. This included 10 GSM gateway devices with a combined capacity of 320 SIM connections.

The preliminary investigation revealed that both centres were established and operated by the same accused’s network. The electronic devices allegedly facilitated communications and other activities linked to cybercrime operations.

Following the seizure, investigators conducted a detailed technical analysis of the devices, telecommunications records and related digital evidence to determine whether the network’s operations were confined to Bengaluru or extended to other locations.

The analysis generated leads pointing to Tiruchirappalli and Thanjavur in Tamil Nadu. The findings were shared with the DoT, and coordinated interdepartmental action led to the detection of two additional SIM box farm sites.

The investigation is now focused on tracing the entire operational chain of the network across the country. This includes establishing how the SIM box and farm devices were procured and deployed, identifying the SIM cards and eSIM profiles used, examining the telecommunications infrastructure involved, and identifying individuals who facilitated or controlled the operations.

The police are also working to establish the links between the Bengaluru and Tamil Nadu locations, identify overseas handlers and their local facilitators, and trace any additional sites or infrastructure connected to the network.

Pronab Mohanty, Director General of Police, Cyber Command, Bengaluru, said the investigation was aimed at uncovering the wider network and tracing its operational links.