Operation Ghost SIM: Assam Police Bust Pakistan-Linked Fake SIM Card Racket in Multi-State Crackdown
The operation resulted in the arrest of seven key individuals and the seizure of 948 fake SIM cards.
GUWAHATI- In a landmark cybercrime operation, the Assam Police Special Task Force (STF), in collaboration with Gajraj Military Intelligence and state police teams from Rajasthan and Telangana, busted a sophisticated fake SIM card racket allegedly linked to Pakistan-based cyber operatives.
The operation, dubbed “Operation Ghost SIM”, resulted in the arrest of seven key individuals and the seizure of 948 fake SIM cards and various digital devices used for cyber fraud.
The crackdown spanned multiple states with coordinated raids conducted in Dhubri and Morigaon (Assam), Bharatpur and Alwar (Rajasthan), and Sangareddy (Telangana) on May 16.
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According to Assam DGP Harmeet Singh, the fake SIM cards were being used to create WhatsApp accounts with OTPs rerouted to Pakistan, effectively enabling users across the border to pose as Indian citizens online. These accounts were allegedly involved in cyber fraud, misinformation, and possible espionage.
The arrested accused have been identified as Saddik, Arif Khan, Sajid, Akeek, Arsad Khan, Mofijul Islam, and Jakariya Ahmad. Assam Police also detained 14 more suspects in Dhubri for questioning.
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“This operation underscores the growing threat of SIM-based digital infiltration. These fraudulently activated SIMs have far-reaching implications for national security,” said DGP Singh during a press briefing.
The SIMs were activated using forged documents and distributed through illegal channels to maintain anonymity and evade regulatory oversight.
Assam Police have urged citizens to be vigilant and avoid responding to unknown international WhatsApp calls, particularly those with or suspicious country codes, which may be part of these fake networks.
Authorities confirmed the investigation is ongoing, with more arrests and digital trails being tracked across the country.
