Gautam Buddh Nagar police have conducted extensive raids in several police station areas, including Surajpur, Bisrakh, and Badalpur in Central Noida, under 'Operation Talash' to curb cybercrimes. During this operation, the shops selling SIM cards were thoroughly inspected, and shopkeepers were asked for a complete record of the SIM cards sold daily. Along with this, strict monitoring of the Point of Sale (POS) system was prioritized, as well as physical verification, to curb the sale of fake SIM cards.
Fake SIM Cards at the Root of Cybercrimes
Police investigations have revealed that fake SIM cards are being widely used in cybercrimes such as digital arrest, fake investments, espionage, UPI fraud, and fake advertisements. Criminals are buying these fake SIMs at cheap rates and committing fraud across the country. The aim of 'Operation Talash' is to reach the root of such crimes, eliminate them, and strengthen digital security.
Fraud in the Name of KYC
The investigation, conducted under the direction of Additional Commissioner of Police Law and Order, Dr. Rajeev Narayan Mishra, also revealed that several fake SIMs are activated in the names and addresses of customers under the pretext of completing KYC. Dealers deliberately show the initial KYC as failed and then repeat the same process to issue other SIMs, of which the customer has no knowledge. This fake SIM card is becoming a means for criminals to commit digital crimes.
Recent Arrests and Police Warning
Recently, the police have arrested several cyber criminals involved in investment and UPI fraud. During interrogation, it was found that these criminals were gaining access to people's bank accounts by obtaining SIM cards through fake KYC. In the rapidly growing digital age, the misuse of SIM cards has become a major source of cybercrime. This strict action by the police will not only strengthen cyber security but also bring transparency to the SIM card sales process.
In conclusion, the police appeal to the public to carefully check the entire KYC process and documents while purchasing a SIM, so that they can stay safe from fraud and cybercrimes.
