Hyderabad, April 1 (NationPress) In a significant crackdown, the Telangana Cyber Security Bureau (TGCSB) has apprehended five individuals involved in a cyber fraud operation linked to a syndicate based in Cambodia, which has swindled millions of rupees from Indian citizens, according to a senior official on Wednesday.

The suspects hail from Hyderabad, Warangal, and Uttar Pradesh.

TGCSB Director Shikha Goel reported that Syed Ashraf Ali was detained at Rajiv Gandhi International Airport in Hyderabad on Tuesday, where he was caught attempting to transport 198 SIM cards to Cambodia, acting on the orders of the main accused, Rizvan, who is from Uttar Pradesh.

The Immigration authorities transferred Ashraf Ali to the TGCSB. A case has been registered under Sections 66 C, D of the ITA Act-2008 and Sections 318(4), 56, 61, 113 r/w 62 BNS, section 42(3)(e) of the Telecommunication Act at the Cyber Crime Police Station (CCPS) headquarters of TGCSB.

During interrogation, Ashraf Ali disclosed the existence of their organized network, revealing a mastermind operating from Cambodia. Rizvan coordinated the SIM card acquisition through local agents who fraudulently obtained SIM cards from unsuspecting victims.

Since 2023, over 600 SIM cards were illicitly transported in six distinct instances through this organized network. While five suspects have been arrested so far, the network is extensive, comprising multiple layers of operatives, the official noted.

According to the TGCSB's statement, Ashraf Ali traveled to Dubai in 2023, where he formed a friendship with Rizvan. At that time, Ashraf was employed in a hotel, while Rizvan worked in a gaming call center. Rizvan incentivized Ashraf to supply Indian SIM cards with a lucrative offer. Ashraf began sourcing these SIM cards, which are now being utilized for cybercrimes such as phishing, identity theft, impersonation, and extortion.

The illegal supply chain functioned systematically through local Point of Sale (POS) agents on commission, often utilizing fake or impersonated documentation. Syed Sohail, Ateeq Ahmed, both from Hyderabad, and Nune Ashok of Warangal operated POS centers. Sohail works as a promoter for Jio and also has an Airtel POS. Ateeq and Ashok manage an Airtel POS. Together, they knowingly procured and supplied over 600 active SIM cards for financial fraud, as stated by the TGCSB.

Arvind Kumar, also known as Shahid, who serves as a courier for this gang, is currently on the run, and efforts to capture him and other members of the network, including those abroad, are ongoing.

The TGCSB Director emphasized that such activities pose serious threats to national security, economic stability, and public order. The use of fraudulently obtained SIM cards enables criminals to operate anonymously, complicating detection and enforcement for law enforcement agencies.

The TGCSB remains vigilant with a zero-tolerance policy toward such crimes. Strict legal measures will be enforced against all involved. The public is urged to remain cautious and aware of these activities, she added.