India’s CBI Arrests Suspected SIM Supplier in Operation Chakra-V Cyber Fraud Probe
Summary
The CBI arrested a suspected SIM-card supplier in Operation Chakra-V. Investigators allege a POS-agent network procured about 10,000 illegally issued SIMs for use in cyber fraud schemes; the investigation is ongoing.
Key points
- The CBI says the suspect was arrested in Guwahati for allegedly supplying fraudulently obtained SIM cards to cybercriminals.
- Investigators allege POS agents issued SIMs using fake or improperly verified identities.
- The CBI alleges nearly ₹67 lakh was transferred to procure about 10,000 illegally issued SIM cards.
- Authorities reportedly recovered evidence of courier shipments used to distribute the cards.
- The SIMs were reportedly supplied to criminals linked to digital-arrest extortion, fraudulent loan offers, and investment scams.
- Earlier searches across eight states led to the arrest of 10 alleged POS-agent participants; the CBI says its investigation is ongoing.
Article Details
- Event Type
- Arrest in an investigation into a cyber-fraud network allegedly supplied with fraudulently obtained SIM cards.
- Impact
- The CBI alleges that a network of POS agents procured and distributed approximately 10,000 improperly issued SIM cards, supported by transfers totaling nearly 67 lakh. The SIM cards were reportedly used to enable anonymous accounts, receive OTPs, and operate scams involving extortion, fraudulent loans, and investment fraud. Authorities had arrested 10 POS agents before the latest arrest; the investigation is ongoing.