Odisha Police Uncover Major SIM Box Racket in Cuttack: Detailed Investigation Reveals International Connections
SIM Box Racket: In a significant breakthrough, Odisha police have dismantled a major SIM box racket in Cuttack, just days after a similar operation in Bhubaneswar. The bust, which occurred in Rajendra Nagar under the Madhu Patna Police Station limits, has uncovered a sophisticated operation with international ties.
The Raid: A Swift Action by Odisha Police
On Sunday, the Commissionerate Police conducted a high-profile raid in Rajendra Nagar, Cuttack, following leads from a previous investigation in Bhubaneswar. This operation was a collaborative effort involving the Special Squad, Laxmisagar Police, Madhupatna Police, and cyber experts.
The raid resulted in the seizure of:
- 5 SIM Boxes
- 236 Active SIM Cards
- 310 Extra SIM Cards
- 40 SIM Carriers
- 1 Modem
- 2 Routers
- Airtel Broadband Equipment
- 1 Wooden Rack
The primary suspect, Raju Mondal, a resident of West Bengal, was linked to both the Cuttack and Bhubaneswar operations. Mondal had rented the house in Rajendra Nagar since December 2023, using it under the guise of running a cloth business. The rent was paid via phone payments, a detail that aided in tracking his activities.
Unraveling the SIM Box Network
According to reports from a member of the scientific team involved in the investigation, the SIM boxes were equipped with internet connectivity and multiple SIM cards. The investigation will delve deeper into the specifics of each SIM card, including network affiliations and linkage details.
The Cuttack operation follows a similar raid in Bhubaneswar’s Laxmisagar area, where Mondal was apprehended. There, police discovered:
- 7 Devices (5 operational and 2 reserved SIM boxes)
- 225 Operational SIM Cards
- 500 New SIM Cards
- 58 Old/Unused SIM Cards
- 2 Wireless Routers
- 1 Laptop
- 1 Modem
- 1 Inverter
Mondal’s connection to Bangladesh was revealed during the probe. He had acquired SIM cards and boxes from Asadur Jamman, a Bangladeshi national, and set up the operation in Bhubaneswar’s Mahadevnagar area.
The International Connection
Asadur Jamman, who was granted an Indian visa valid until October 24, 2024, had established the SIM box operation in Bhubaneswar in October 2023. Mondal managed the maintenance of these devices, including the internet and electricity needs, making weekly trips from North 24 Parganas, West Bengal.
The operation was designed to receive Voice over Internet Protocol (VoIP) calls from countries like Pakistan, China, and the Middle East, routing them as local calls. This complex scheme not only evaded legal oversight but also posed significant security risks.
Future Investigations and Implications
Bhubaneswar DCP Prateek Singh indicated that the investigation would extend to international financial links, including ‘Hawala’ transactions used to fund the operations. The police are collaborating with other agencies to probe the financial aspects and connections between the Cuttack and Bhubaneswar SIM box rackets.
Singh also revealed that the entire syndicate, including individuals from Bangladesh involved in setting up SIM boxes in both cities, would be targeted in ongoing investigations. This effort aims to dismantle the network entirely and prevent further illegal activities.
Conclusion
The recent bust of the SIM box racket in Cuttack, following the Bhubaneswar operation, highlights a significant issue of international fraud and security breaches. The effective response by Odisha police demonstrates a critical step towards addressing and curbing such sophisticated operations. As investigations continue, authorities aim to uncover the full extent of the network and its operations, working towards bringing the entire syndicate to justice. Further updates will follow as the probe into this intricate operation unfolds.
