SIM scam bust: 7 arrested in multi-state crackdown on anti-national racket

Syllad | The Rising MeghalayaMay 17, 2025

In a major crackdown on a cross-border cyber crime syndicate, seven individuals have been arrested across Assam, Rajasthan, and Telangana for their involvement in the use of fake SIM cards for anti-national activities, including espionage linked to agents in Pakistan. Authorities recovered 948 SIM cards and multiple technical devices during the operation.

The arrests were made as part of Operation GHOST SIM, a coordinated effort led by the Special Branch and Special Task Force (STF) of Assam Police, in collaboration with the Gajraj Military Intelligence unit. Action teams were dispatched to Rajasthan, Telangana, and key districts in Assam—Dhubri and Morigaon—following intelligence input about a racket using fake SIM cards for cyber crimes and espionage.

Those arrested include: Saddik (47), Bela, PS Sikri, Bharatpur, Rajasthan; Arif Khan (20), Sahodi Ka Bar, Sahori, Alwar, Rajasthan; Sajid (21), Sahodi Ka Bar, Sahori, PS Akbarpur, Alwar, Rajasthan; Akeek (25), Rojki, Bharatpur, Rajasthan; Arsad Khan (34), Pendka, PS Nagar, Bharatpur, Rajasthan – nabbed at New Delhi airport; Mofijul Islam (19), Kathaldi Pt-II, PS Bilasipara, Dhubri, Assam and Jakariya Ahmad (24), Sagunmari Pt-IV, PS Bilasipara, Dhubri, Assam.

Additionally, 14 more individuals have been detained from Dhubri for questioning. Authorities have confirmed that appropriate legal action will follow after further interrogation.

The case was registered on May 14 at the STF Police Station in Assam (STF PS Case No. 2/2025) under Sections 61(2)/147/148/62 of the Bharatiya Nyaya Sanhita (BNS), along with Section 18 of the Unlawful Activities (Prevention) Act and Section 66 of the IT Act.

The investigation is ongoing. More arrests and recoveries are expected as the case unfolds.