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The Central Bureau of Investigation (CBI), as part of it’s ongoing Operation Chakra-V, has arrested Area Sales Manager of a Telecom Service Provider (TSP), in an ongoing case, aimed at dismantling the technical backbone of organised cybercrime.
In Dec 2025, CBI had uncovered and disrupted an organised phishing network, operating from NCR/Chandigarh, which was providing bulk SMS services to cyber criminals, including foreign actors targeting Indian citizens. The accused had procured around 21,000 SIM cards in violation of DoT rules. These SIM cards facilitated the transmission of bulk SMS. Cybercriminals used them for sending phishing messages. Police arrested three persons, including a TSP channel partner, in December 2025, and they are currently in judicial custody.
Telecom ; TSP Official Exposed in Fake SIM Card Scam
The role of an individual TSP official came to light during the investigation. The official served as the Area Sales Manager. He was actively involved in facilitating the fraudulent issuance of SIM cards in bulk. He arranged dummy individuals, falsely projecting them as employees of M/s Lord Mahavira Services India Pvt. Ltd., and submitted their documents to complete the KYC formalities.The investigation further revealed that members of a family resided in Bengaluru. The official arranged to show them as employees of the accused company. Investigators recovered copies of their Aadhaar cards from the official’s possession. The perpetrators later used the SIM cards obtained through these fraudulent means to operate the phishing ecosystem exposed during the investigation.
Phishing is the first key step in most cyber frauds to lure innocent public. It uses mass SMS, calls or messages to lure victims with false offers of loans, investments or threats. Once victims share details or click links, scammers draw them into larger schemes that lead to financial loss.
CBI remains committed to tackling organised cybercrime by targeting the technical infrastructure that enables such offences. It will continue to act in close coordination with concerned agencies. This ensures that the law brings offenders to justice.
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