Cyberabad Police Dismantle Major SIM-Swap Fraud Network Spanning Multiple States

Hyderabad authorities have successfully dismantled a sophisticated fraud network operating across state lines, with six suspects now in custody following an investigation into SIM-swap schemes, vishing operations, and digital banking theft.

The criminal enterprise, which targeted unsuspecting individuals through fraudulent claims of official verification, managed to siphon off Rs.77.75 lakh from victims' accounts. The gang's modus operandi involved impersonating representatives from the Citibank Prestige Credit Card Division and convincing targets to transition their electronic SIMs to physical versions under the pretext of Department of Telecommunications compliance checks.

As part of their scheme, the accused shipped mobile devices containing malicious software to victims. When these individuals inserted their SIM cards into the compromised phones, the fraudsters intercepted one-time passwords and banking notifications, gaining illicit entry to financial accounts. Using this unauthorized access, they executed fraudulent money transfers without the account holders' knowledge or consent.

During the investigation, law enforcement apprehended the suspects using transit warrants. Officers conducted raids at residences in West Bengal, where they recovered Rs.15 lakh in cash. The police also confiscated numerous mobile handsets, SIM cards, a computer, counterfeit Citibank branding materials, Motorola stickers, and other related equipment utilized in the operation.

The six individuals arrested have been identified as Selim Mondal, Abdul Alim SK (also known as Mittu), Saiyad Hasim Reza (alias Tippu), Mijanur Rahaman Shaik, Bansidhar, and Mehebub Iam Nsary (alias Suraj).

T. Saimanohar, Deputy Commissioner of Police overseeing Cyber Crimes at Cyberabad, has cautioned the public against divulging one-time passwords, banking login credentials, or SIM-related particulars during unsolicited phone calls. He further warned citizens to refrain from inserting SIM cards into unfamiliar devices that arrive via courier delivery services, emphasizing that such actions create vulnerabilities that enable fraudsters to intercept critical banking communications and execute unauthorized transactions.

The investigation continues as authorities work to uncover additional details about the network's operations.