Archive · 9 Jan 2026
CBI Arrests Telecom Manager in SIM Phishing Scam
The CBI has arrested a Vodafone manager named Binu Vidhyadharan for helping a group of cyber criminals.
This group was using fake SIM cards to trick people into giving away their personal and banking details.
The manager got around 21,000 SIM cards illegally and used them to send fake messages about loans and investments.
Three other people were also arrested earlier for their involvement in this scam.
The CBI is working to stop these kinds of frauds that can cause people to lose money.
CBI arrested Binu Vidhyadharan, a Vodafone area sales manager, for facilitating the fraudulent issuance of 21,000 SIM cards.
The SIM cards were used by a cyber-criminal gang to send phishing messages offering fake loans and investment opportunities.
Three persons, including a channel partner, were arrested in December 2025 and are currently under judicial custody.
Vidhyadharan is accused of submitting fake documents for KYC formalities, using dummy individuals and family members from Bengaluru.
The phishing messages aimed to steal personal and banking details of innocent people, leading to financial losses.
- Who
- CBI and Binu Vidhyadharan (Vodafone area sales manager)
- What
- Arrest of a telecom manager for facilitating fraudulent SIM card issuance used in phishing scams
- When
- Arrest made on January 8, 2026; previous arrests in December 2025
- Where
- Delhi-NCR and Chandigarh
- Why
- To investigate and prevent cyber fraud involving phishing operations
CBI
Vodafone
Role of Vodafone Manager
CBI
The CBI alleges that the Vodafone area sales manager, Binu Vidhyadharan, facilitated the fraudulent issuance of bulk SIM cards used in phishing operations.
Vodafone
Vodafone has not responded to queries seeking comments on the matter.
- Accused
- Binu Vidhyadharan (Vodafone area sales manager)
- SIM Cards Involved
- 21,000
- Date of Arrest
- January 8, 2026
- Location of Operation
- Delhi-NCR and Chandigarh
- Previous Arrests
- Three persons, including a channel partner, arrested in December 2025
- Custody Status
- Three persons under judicial custody
- Fraudulent Activities
- Sending phishing messages offering fake loans and investment opportunities
Sources
Faridabad Police bust fake call centre in Delhi, 4 held
CBI Arrests Telecom Firm’s Area Sales Manager Under Operation Chakra-V In Cybercrime SIM Card Scam
CBI Arrests Vodafone Area Sales Manager In Bulk SIM Phishing Scam
Retired soldier loses Rs 98 lakh during 15-day 'digital arrest'
