₹1.10 Crore SIM Fraud Network Exposed: Ghost SIMs Linked to Cybercrime

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Kolkata Police are probing a suspected ₹1.10 crore fraud scheme involving the unauthorized creation of “ghost” SIM cards, which allegedly enabled financial crimes through the exploitation of customer data and biometric information. The Cyber Cell has initiated an investigation into the alleged network, which reportedly facilitated transactions exceeding ₹1.10 crore over two months. The probe focuses on identifying the scope of the fraud, including how many unauthorized SIM cards were activated, who orchestrated their distribution, and which entities or criminal groups received them. Investigators are examining the telecom supply chain, including Point of Sale (PoS) vendors, distributors, and store employees, who may have accessed sensitive customer information during legitimate registration processes. Preliminary findings reveal two distinct operational modules linked to the fraud. One module involves transactions totaling ₹83.10 lakh, while the second accounts for ₹26.30 lakh. Authorities are analyzing bank records, mobile numbers, SIM activation logs, and telecom documentation to trace the financial and digital footprint of the scheme. The case highlights vulnerabilities in telecom data security, as customer identity documents, personal details, and biometric data collected during SIM registration are reportedly misused. Investigators suspect these details were leveraged to impersonate legitimate users, enabling unauthorized access to financial systems. Unlawful SIM cards can serve as tools for cybercriminals to intercept communications, conduct banking fraud, or execute account takeovers. The probe is assessing whether the suspected SIMs were used for activities such as OTP-based fraud, mule-account operations, or digital wallet exploitation. PoS vendors and telecom employees are under scrutiny to determine if they knowingly shared customer data or acted under coordinated instructions. Investigators are also analyzing device identifiers, call-detail records, and bank transactions to map the flow of funds and identify potential beneficiaries. Cybercrime expert Prof. Triveni Singh emphasized the importance of correlating SIM activation records, biometric verification data, and financial trails to establish the full chain of the operation. He noted that identifying individual actors or networks responsible for data misuse is critical alongside tracing monetary movements. The investigation is exploring whether the same network supplied SIMs for multiple cybercrime operations across Kolkata or other regions. Authorities are examining repeated use of customer information and activation channels linked to fraudulent transactions. At this stage, the probe remains in its early phases. Kolkata Police are working to map the structure of the alleged fraud network, identify participants, and assess the total financial impact. As investigators analyze telecom records, banking transactions, and digital evidence, further details about the operation’s scale and methodology are expected to emerge.

Key Findings of the Investigation

The probe has identified two distinct modules of the fraud, with one involving transactions totaling ₹83.10 lakh and the other ₹26.30 lakh. Authorities are examining bank records, mobile numbers, SIM activation logs, and telecom documentation to trace the financial and digital footprint of the scheme.

Telecom Data Security Vulnerabilities

The case highlights vulnerabilities in telecom data security, as customer identity documents, personal details, and biometric data collected during SIM registration are reportedly misused. Investigators suspect these details were leveraged to impersonate legitimate users, enabling unauthorized access to financial systems.

Expert Insights on the Fraud Network

Cybercrime expert Prof. Triveni Singh emphasized the importance of correlating SIM activation records, biometric verification data, and financial trails to establish the full chain of the operation. He noted that identifying individual actors or networks responsible for data misuse is critical alongside tracing monetary movements.

Scope of the Probe

The investigation is exploring whether the same network supplied SIMs for multiple cybercrime operations across Kolkata or other regions. Authorities are examining repeated use of customer information and activation channels linked to fraudulent transactions.

At this stage, the probe remains in its early phases. Kolkata Police are working to map the structure of the alleged fraud network, identify participants, and assess the total financial impact. As investigators analyze telecom records, banking transactions, and digital evidence, further details about the operation’s scale and methodology are expected to emerge.