Bihar's Illegal SIM Box Network Exposed: 700 SIMs Linked to 73 Cybercrime Cases

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A telecom operator’s regional distributor arrested in Bihar for orchestrating a scheme involving over 700 illicit SIM cards tied to 73 cybercrime cases nationwide.

Arrest and Investigation

Law enforcement agencies uncovered the operation after analyzing 1,300 SIM cards recovered from Supaul district in 2025, leading to coordinated raids across 10 locations in Vaishali and Jagatsinghpur districts. Seizures included digital devices such as mobile phones, laptops, and additional SIM cards as investigators mapped the distribution network from initial activation to fraudulent activity deployment.

Forensic Findings

Forensic examinations of the seized SIM cards revealed connections to multiple cybercrime incidents, prompting a deeper investigation into the supply chain. The distributor allegedly exploited credentials and system access from over a dozen local retail outlets to generate 700 mobile numbers without user consent.

Biometric Data Misuse

A significant portion of these numbers were linked to individuals whose biometric data, originally collected for administrative purposes, was illicitly used to bypass verification protocols. Authorities are interrogating the suspect to identify end users of the compromised SIMs while reviewing compliance procedures and potential collusion among retail partners.

Legal Charges and Violations

The case involves violations under the Bharatiya Nyaya Sanhita, including charges of fraud, identity theft, and forgery, alongside technical offenses outlined in the Information Technology Act and regulatory breaches under the Telecommunications Act, 2022.

Investigation Scope

Forensic teams are analyzing seized hardware to trace downstream actors and quantify the scale of the operation. The investigation highlights vulnerabilities in telecom verification processes, particularly the misuse of e-KYC systems and biometric data.

Cybercrime Ecosystems

Investigators are also examining how fraudulent SIMs were integrated into broader cybercrime ecosystems, including potential links to financial fraud and data breaches. Legal proceedings are ongoing as officials work to establish the full scope of the syndicate’s activities and hold all involved parties accountable.

“The case underscores the critical need for stricter oversight of telecom verification systems to prevent misuse of sensitive data.”