Massive SIM Card Scam Exposed in Delhi: CBI Uncovers Illegal Issuance of Thousands of SIMs on Single IDs

A major SIM card scam has come to light in Delhi, revealing how thousands of mobile connections were fraudulently obtained and allegedly supplied to cyber criminals across India. The Central Bureau of Investigation (CBI) has registered an FIR against a Delhi-based firm accused of procuring over 20,000 SIM cards using forged documents and violating Department of Telecommunications (DoT) guidelines. According to investigators, these connections were later used in SIM box operations, digital arrest scams, fake calling rackets, and large-scale financial frauds.

CBI Launches Probe Into Massive SIM Fraud

The investigation began after multiple complaints were recorded from various states about suspicious calls, extortion attempts, and financial scams linked to mobile numbers activated by the accused firm. As per a report by The Times of India, the CBI’s initial findings indicate that the company illegally obtained 20,986 mobile connections between 2020 and 2025. Shockingly, in just 2024 and 2025 alone, the firm acquired 7,721 new SIM cards, all under the guise of bulk corporate usage.

These SIM cards were later traced to cybercrime operations spread across multiple states, where fraudsters impersonated officials, carried out digital arrest scams, and executed fake international call routing.

SIM Box Technology Used to Mask Identity

During the technical analysis, the CBI discovered that many SIM cards were simultaneously active on different IMEI numbers—strong evidence of SIM box usage. A SIM box is a device that holds dozens or even hundreds of SIM cards, enabling mass calling, VoIP termination, automated messaging, and caller ID masking. It allows criminals to place large volumes of calls while hiding their real origin.

Call detail record (CDR) analysis reportedly showed patterns of one-second automated calls, rapid IMEI switching, and machine-to-machine (M2M) communication, all indicating a coordinated cyber fraud mechanism.

Hundreds of SIMs Issued on Single IDs

The probe revealed alarming irregularities in the issuance of these connections:

• 189 numbers linked to the firm were flagged on the DoT’s Sanchar Saathi portal, with 210 complaints filed against them.

• Many numbers were also found in complaints on the National Cyber Crime Reporting Portal (NCRP).

• Shockingly, the CBI noted that 1,000 SIM cards were issued under the names of just 143 individuals.

• In several cases, 90 SIM cards were issued using the documents of only 10 people.

This indicates deliberate manipulation of Know-Your-Customer (KYC) norms, usage of fake end-user lists, and issuance of multiple SIM cards on the same ID—all of which directly violate DoT regulations.

Fraudsters Impersonated Government Officials

Investigators found that many of these SIM cards were used by cyber criminals to pose as officials from TRAI, police departments, or other government agencies. Using these fake identities, fraudsters intimidated victims and extorted large sums of money. Numerous complaints linked to such digital arrest scams and impersonation frauds led to the registration of the FIR.

Victims reported receiving threatening calls claiming legal action, penalties, or immediate arrest, after which they were coerced into transferring money.

Cybercrime Network Operated From Delhi and Noida

CDR location tracking pointed to operations being controlled from the firm’s registered address in Delhi and another office in Noida. Investigators suspect the involvement of multiple smart devices, SIM boxes, and internet-based setups designed to mask the true identity and location of the callers.

The CBI stated that evidence suggests a well-organized cybercrime network that facilitated large-scale fraud across the country by providing a reliable supply of anonymous SIM connections.

A Growing Concern for Cybersecurity Agencies

This incident highlights a serious gap in telecom security enforcement and the misuse of bulk SIM issuance systems. Agencies believe that such fraud networks enable everything from digital extortion and international scam calls to financial fraud and identity theft.

The investigation is still underway, and more arrests and disclosures are expected as authorities continue to track the network’s reach and financial trails.