SIM box explained
Investigators found 192 active e-SIMs functioning across the six devices, indicating a much larger operation than initially believed.
Lucknow: A day after busting an illegal SIM Box operation in the city, Lucknow Police said fresh evidence suggests the setup may be part of a wider telecom fraud network, with investigators looking into a possible Chinese connection and links to cybercrime complaints from across India. The foreign angle emerged after the six seized 32-port SIM Box devices were found bearing “Made in China” markings. Cybercrime Nodal Officer and Additional DCP Kiran Yadav said technical and legal examinations are underway to identify those behind the network and determine whether it was used in cybercrime operations.
Police suspect the equipment may have entered India through unofficial channels and have begun tracing its supply chain, suspected import route, ownership trail and whether any telecom clearances or approvals were obtained. Technical examination of the hardware has also expanded the scope of the case. Police suspect the infrastructure may have been used to mask call origins and enable organised cyber frauds, including digital arrest scams, fake investment schemes and impersonation-led cons. In another development, police recovered dismantled sound amplifier components from the premises. Investigators suspect telecom hardware may have been transported into the country disguised as audio amplification devices to avoid scrutiny during transit and import checks. The procurement method and legality of the devices are now being verified. Police also found a Wi-Fi-enabled video doorbell installed at one location in place of conventional CCTV cameras. Investigators believe it may have been used to discreetly monitor activity around the property and alert operators about visitors without drawing attention. Police have extracted IMEI numbers and other identifiers and shared them with the Indian Cyber Crime Coordination Centre (I4C) to match against complaints on the National Cyber Crime Reporting Portal.