Chinese-Linked SIM Box Scam Exposed in Gurugram, India

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A Chinese-Linked SIM Box Operation Busted in India

In a significant crackdown on cross-border cybercrime, Indian authorities have dismantled a Chinese-linked SIM box syndicate that was facilitating overseas scammers targeting Indian citizens. Three key operatives were arrested in Delhi while attempting to flee to Kathmandu.

Accused and Equipment Seized

The accused, identified as Karma, Lobsang Tsultim, and Ngawang Gyaltshen, were found in possession of a 20-port physical SIM box, a laptop, and multiple smartphones. Preliminary investigations revealed that the setup was capable of making over 20,000 calls per day, primarily used for gaming scams, fake investment schemes, and other online frauds.

China-Based Handler and Customized APK Application

The arrested individuals, aged between 32 and 35, were found to be in constant touch with a China-based handler, identified as Tsega, who allegedly arranged the technical infrastructure and routed scam calls through India to evade detection. The syndicate relied on a customized APK application to route call traffic directly to Chinese cyber gangs.

Accused Profile and Modus Operandi

Notably, two of the accused, Tsultim and Gyaltshen, were born in China and have been living in India as refugees for nearly 15 years. They are fluent in Chinese and Taiwanese languages, which were allegedly exploited by the syndicate for coordinating operations and managing call traffic.

The accused were paid for installing and maintaining the SIM box infrastructure, while the actual fraud proceeds were routed abroad. Authorities are currently tracing financial trails, identifying additional accomplices, and mapping the wider international network linked to the racket.

Investigation and Next Steps

The three accused were produced before a court and taken on police remand for further questioning. After completing their remand, they were sent to judicial custody. Efforts are underway to identify other individuals involved in logistics, SIM procurement, and money laundering.

Senior cybercrime officials stated that the investigation is focused on establishing the full scale of the operation, including the number of victims and the total amount siphoned off overseas. The authorities warned that SIM box-based fraud networks pose a serious threat to digital security and vowed to continue taking strict action.

Residents are urged to report suspicious calls immediately and avoid sharing personal or banking details with unknown callers. Authorities emphasized that cyber syndicates are increasingly using local infrastructure to mask international scams.