Bengaluru: Karnataka’s Cyber Command Unit and the Department of Telecommunications have busted an illegal SIM-box network operating from Kadugodi and Pattandur Agrahara, seizing 10 devices with a combined capacity of 320 SIM connections, Minister Priyank Kharge said.
The investigation traced supply-chain links to Tiroda in Maharashtra and led to the arrest of four key accused, Kharge said. Preliminary findings link the network to financial cyber fraud, including digital-arrest scams and sextortion across India.
320-SIM capacity across two Bengaluru locations
Kharge said the coordinated operation targeted two separate locations in Bengaluru. Investigators found that the network used rotating e-SIM profiles, premises rented through front individuals and manipulation of International Mobile Equipment Identity (IMEI) numbers to evade detection.
Maharashtra supply links under investigation
The probe extended beyond Karnataka as investigators followed the supply chain to Tiroda. Kharge described the four arrested individuals as key accused in the network.
He said Karnataka Police would continue vigilance and coordination with other agencies to identify the broader networks and protect people from cyber-enabled crimes.
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