CBI arrests telecom manager, two others in Assam for unauthorized SIM card sales linked to cyber crimes

Guwahati: In continuation of its sustained efforts in combating Cyber Crimes and to break the Cyber Crime infrastructure, the Central Bureau of Investigation (CBI) conducted searches at five locations in Cachar District of Assam and has arrested 03 persons including the Territorial Sales Manager of a Telecom Company, as part of operation Chakra.

It may be recalled that CBI has registered a case regarding unauthorized sale of SIM cards across the country which were being used in committing various Cyber Crimes like digital arrest frauds, impersonation, fraudulent advertisements, investment scams and UPI related frauds.

As part of these investigations, it has been revealed that the Territorial Sales Manager of the said Telecom Company, Silchar, Assam colluded with the middlemen, distributors and Point of Sale (PoS) agents with regard to issuing of unauthorized SIM cards without the knowledge of the persons in whose name SIM cards were officially issued. These sales were done by violating the laid down guidelines and procedures. These SIM cards were sold illegally in bulk to various middlemen at high cost and later these SIM cards were used in commission of various Cyber Crimes.


This operation is aimed at curbing the sale and misuse of unauthorized SIM cards being sold through distributors/ PoS agents. The searches resulted in seizure of incriminating evidences like mobile phones, electronic devices and copies of KYC documents etc.

This action underscores the Government of India’s resolute commitment in combating Cyber Crimes and in bringing its perpetrators to face the law and also special focus in dismantling the infrastructure which facilitates such crimes. The accused have been produced before the local Magistrate Court and transit remand obtained. They will be produced before the jurisdictional FIR Court.