The development and use of SIM (Subscriber Identity Module) cards are closely tied to the evolution of mobile telecommunications technology. Mobile phones began in the 1940s with vehicle-based systems. The first handheld call was made in 1973 by Motorola, and the first commercial phone was launched in 1983. SIM cards were developed alongside the growth of mobile telecommunications. In the 1970s and 1980s, mobile phones were analogue and tied to specific networks, with no way to transfer user information. In 1982, the GSM (Global System for Mobile Communications) project was launched to standardise mobile communication, focusing on security and portability. By 1991, GSM introduced SIM cards as a removable module to store subscriber details like phone numbers and network credentials. This revolutionised communication, making mobile phones compact, affordable, and essential for modern life. Today, SIM cards are central to mobile communications, enabling secure connections to networks worldwide.Since the advent of mobile phones, SIM cards have become an essential part of the telecom industry. In today’s rapidly digitising world, unauthorised SIM cards have emerged as tools for cybercrime, endangering innocent individuals. A recent case involving the Kolkata Police has shed light on this issue and served as a wake-up call for security agencies nationwide.
In April 2024, the Customs Department intercepted a shipment booked with DHL courier for Phnom Penh, Cambodia. They discovered 361 pre-activated Airtel SIM cards concealed in the lids of two filter coffee bottles. Following this, the Intelligence Bureau in Kolkata collected additional information and investigated the matter. It was revealed that the consignment was booked by an individual residing in Kolkata.
Further investigation uncovered similar shipments were made on previous occasions. Of the 361 SIM cards, 243 were issued under the jurisdiction of the Kolkata Police. Additionally, it was established that these 243 Airtel SIM cards were registered under the names of various people across West Bengal, with the issuing agents located in the Topsia, Tiljala, Ultadanga, Kasba, and Ashoknagar areas.
Mode of Operation (Modus Operandi)
A notice under Section 179 of the BNSS has been served to individuals against whom SIM cards were issued. According to their accounts, when they visited the agent to obtain a new SIM card in their name, they were asked to provide their fingerprint using a morpho machine multiple times. When an individual inquired the reason for this, the agent explained that the SIM card could not be processed initially due to network issues.
The agent took multiple SIM cards in the names of unsuspecting individuals and attempted to send these SIM cards to Cambodia with the help of their associates to commit offences.
Investigation Details
Based on the collected documents and recorded statements, fake, fictitious SIM cards were created using electronic methods. These fake SIM cards were later used as genuine ones and sent to foreign countries like Cambodia. There, they were used to carry out fraud, including investment scams and other crimes. This case involves electronic forgery, leading to cheating and victimising innocent people.
Kolkata Police officials from the Anti-Bank Fraud Section of the Detective Department seized electronic devices, mobile phones, and blank SIM card pouches from the arrested accused. The entire operation seems to have been coordinated, involving individuals connected with POS agencies, employees of Airtel distributors, and foreign nationals.
A Myanmar national was arrested in a hotel in Hyderabad, where police seized numerous incriminating documents, cash in various currencies, mobile phones, laptops, foreign SIM cards, and pen drives. The identities of the accused’s associates who were present in Kolkata at the time of the offence were also uncovered through a detailed investigation. Information was found regarding fraudulent investments linked to one of the companies owned by a foreign national. Notably, one of the accused exchanged cryptocurrency with a foreign national, returning the cash equivalent two months later.
The Anti-Bank Fraud Unit of the Detective Department of Kolkata Police has made significant progress in investigating an international SIM card fraud. This operation involved exporting
pre-activated SIM cards in the names of unsuspecting individuals, concealed in coffee containers, to commit criminal offences and electronic forgery.
Source:
Anti-Bank Fraud Section, Detective Department, Kolkata Police.
