Tamil Nadu Cyber Crime Wing Busts International SIM Box Racket In Delhi, Arrests Three

In a technologically complex operation against transnational organised cybercrime and digital arrest, the Tamil Nadu Cyber Crime Wing Headquarters achieved a major success by busting 24 automated fraud

calling machines—also known as signal boxes—in New Delhi that were operated by foreign nationals remotely.

Last month, following intelligence-led operations, multiple synchronised raids were conducted across Tamil Nadu, resulting in the seizure of 14 high-capacity Quectel SIM boxes in Chennai, and the arrest of six suspects.

Subsequent investigations led to the recovery of one additional SIM box, while another five SIM boxes were found to have been destroyed by the accused in Ramanathapuram district, fearing arrest by the police. On further investigation, it was noted that the key suspect had handed over eight SIM boxes in Delhi. It was also found that the same network has operations extending to Delhi, Mumbai and Bihar.

To pursue the leads, Dr Sandeep Mittal, IPS, Additional Director General of Police, Cyber Crime Wing, directed the formation of multiple investigation teams to operate under the supervision of I Shahnaz, IPS, Superintendent of Police, State Cyber Crime Investigation Centre, and headed by Deputy Superintendent of Police and Inspectors of Police. These teams simultaneously conducted raids in Delhi, Bihar, and Maharashtra, leading to the identification of SIM boxes at two locations in New Delhi’s Narela and one location in Nilothi.

The special team arrested Tarikh Alam (M/19), a resident of Nilothi and two of his associates—Lokesh Kumar (M/33) and Ashok Kumar (M/40). The raids resulted in the seizure of 16 SIM boxes from Narela and eight SIM boxes from Nilothi. On analysis of the tower dump and CDR of these spots, it was revealed that the SIM boxes were actively used in digital arrest scams operated by international cyber scam compounds.

In a consorted fight against cybercrime, the Tamil Nadu Cyber Crime Wing has successfully dismantled 44 SIM boxes belonging to the international network in the last two months. Dismantling these SIM boxes has served a major blow to the international cyber scam syndicate that used them to operate fraudulent VoIP call routing hubs. The extensive involvement of these SIM boxes is currently being analysed to identify the interstate and intrastate linkages.

Asking citizens to remain vigilant, the police issued the following advisory:

• Do not be carried away by the promise of commission for opening bank accounts, operating SIM boxes, transporting SIM box or any electronic gadgets in disguise, etc.

• Do not panic if you receive a call claiming you’re involved in a crime. Scammers often use fear tactics to pressure victims into compliance. There is no concept called Digital Arrest or arresting online.

• Government agencies will never ask for money for any grievance reported or verification.

• Never share personal or banking details over phone or video calls, including Aadhaar, PAN, bank credentials, or OTPs.

• Avoid accepting video calls from unknown persons claiming to be officials. Scammers may impersonate officers using AI or pre-recorded videos.

• Do not download remote access apps like AnyDesk or TeamViewer when asked by unknown callers. This could give scammers control over your device.

•If you have fallen victim to such scams, please dial 1930 for the toll-free assistance provided by Cyber Crime wing or register your complaint at www.cybercrime.gov.in