Archive · 20 May 2025
CBI Books Agents for Ghost SIMs in Cyber Fraud Cases
Imagine someone selling phone numbers that aren't properly registered.
These are called 'ghost' SIM cards.
The CBI found that some people, called agents, were doing this.
They would register two SIM cards under one person's name but give one to cybercriminals.
These criminals then used the numbers to trick people with fake calls and scams.
The CBI is investigating because these SIM cards were found in other countries and were used to open fake bank accounts.
They are also looking into if anyone from the phone companies helped the agents.
CBI booked 39 PoS agents for issuing unregistered SIM cards.
Agents allegedly provided 'ghost' SIMs used for cybercrimes.
The SIM cards were used for impersonation, fake arrests, and investment scams.
The investigation started after identifying suspicious SIM cards in Southeast Asia.
Telecom officials are also suspected of involvement in approving the SIM cards.
- Who
- CBI booked PoS agents, including one from Tamil Nadu, for issuing ghost SIM cards.
- What
- CBI booked 39 PoS agents for issuing unregistered SIM cards used by cybercriminals.
- When
- The CBI initiated the case based on a report of suspicious SIM cards.
- Where
- Agents are from Tamil Nadu, Uttar Pradesh, West Bengal, Assam, Maharashtra, Bihar, Telangana, and Karnataka.
- Why
- Agents issued 'ghost' SIM cards for cyber fraud, including impersonation and scams.
- Number of Agents Booked
- 39
- States Involved
- Tamil Nadu, Uttar Pradesh, West Bengal, Assam, Maharashtra, Bihar, Telangana, Karnataka
- Agent Location
- Krishnagiri district, Tamil Nadu
- Suspicious SIM Cards Identified
- 64,223
- SIM Card Usage Location
- Southeast Asian countries