Mumbai Cyber Police Investigates POS Operator in Alleged Ghost SIM Network Case

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Mumbai Cyber Police have initiated legal action against a point-of-sale operator, Prathamesh Chorat, for alleged involvement in unauthorized mobile number subscriptions and distribution to cybercrime groups.

The Allegations Against Prathamesh Chorat

Mumbai Cyber Police have initiated legal action against a point-of-sale operator, Prathamesh Chorat, following allegations of acquiring unauthorized mobile number subscriptions through falsified documentation and distributing them to organized cybercrime groups. The probe links these numbers to multiple cases involving financial fraud, digital exploitation, and investment-related scams.

Ghost SIMs and Criminal Activities

Investigations revealed that the suspect allegedly facilitated the distribution of SIM cards designated as “ghost SIMs” by cybercrime authorities. These devices are reportedly utilized by criminal networks to circumvent verification protocols, establish fraudulent financial accounts, and obscure the identities of perpetrators engaged in online financial misconduct.

Methods of Exploitation

According to the complaint, these numbers were employed to target individuals via digital platforms, employing coercive tactics to extract sensitive information or funds before transferring illicitly obtained money into multiple bank accounts.

Role of Data and Investigations

Data from the National Cybercrime Reporting Portal (NCRP) played a critical role in identifying the suspect. Authorities analyzed crime records and information from the coordination center, uncovering a pattern of SIM cards linked to fraud complaints that were allegedly sold by specific point-of-sale agents within the Mumbai Metropolitan Region.

Cross-Referencing and Findings

Investigators cross-referenced phone numbers provided by mobile service providers with reported incidents, confirming connections to cases in West Bengal, Pune, and Mumbai.

Involvement of Cybercrime Syndicates

The filing details the involvement of organized cybercrime syndicates that reportedly deploy field agents to gather personal identification, banking details, and mobile connections. Chorat is accused of acquiring multiple SIM cards under fictitious names and supplying them to these networks during the period under investigation.

Expanding the Probe

Law enforcement is currently expanding the probe to identify additional individuals involved in collecting identities, financial accounts, and communication tools used for large-scale fraud operations.