Lucknow SIM Box Racket: 192 e-SIMs and Chinese Hardware Under Scanner
Lucknow Crime Branch uncovers a high-tech SIM box racket using Chinese devices to mask foreign calls for digital arrest scams.
The Lucknow Crime Branch has significantly ramped up its technical investigation into a sophisticated illegal Lucknow SIM box racket, revealing a complex web of smuggled hardware and deceptive technology used to facilitate large-scale cyber fraud. Following a series of raids, police have uncovered a network designed to mask foreign identities and trick unsuspecting citizens across India.
The High-Tech Haul: Chinese Gear and e-SIMs
During the operation, investigators seized six illegal 32-port SIM Box devices, which technical analysis has revealed contained 192 active e-SIMs. A critical finding in the probe is that the recovered telecom equipment bears "Made in China" markings. Police suspect that these sophisticated devices were smuggled into India by disguising them as sound amplifier components to evade customs and security checks.
The scale of the seizure includes more than just SIM boxes. The Crime Branch recovered:
- 3 VPN Gateways
- 21 Smart Switches
- 3 Smart Hubs
- 4 UPS units and 18 batteries
- Wi-Fi routers, a locked tablet, and security cameras
Evading the Law: Smart Doorbells and Stealth Tactics
The operators of this network went to great lengths to avoid detection. Instead of installing traditional CCTV systems, which could be easily spotted by law enforcement, the accused installed Wi-Fi-enabled smart face-detection doorbells. This allowed them to discreetly monitor anyone approaching their premises without drawing attention to their illegal activities.
How the Scam Works: Masking Foreign Calls
Cyber officials explained that these SIM Box networks are used to bypass international telecommunication gateways. The process involves converting foreign Voice-over-IP (VoIP) calls into local telecom traffic. By doing this, the foreign caller's ID is masked, making the call appear as if it is coming from a domestic Indian mobile number.
This infrastructure was allegedly the backbone for "digital arrest" and extortion frauds. By appearing as local authorities or officials, cybercriminals were able to manipulate victims across various states, leading to significant financial losses.
Operation Digital Kavach: The Crackdown
The discovery was part of 'Operation Digital Kavach,' where the Lucknow Police Crime Branch conducted coordinated raids across four key locations in the city: Sushant Golf City, Para, BBD, and Chinhat. A formal case has been registered at the Cyber Police Station, and the seized hardware has been sent for detailed forensic examination.
Expanding the Probe: National Coordination
To dismantle the entire syndicate, the Crime Branch is now coordinating with central agencies. The International Mobile Equipment Identity (IMEI) numbers and other technical parameters of the seized devices are being cross-referenced through:
- The National Cyber Crime Reporting Portal (NCRP)
- The Indian Cyber Crime Coordination Centre (I4C)
This effort aims to link the hardware to reported cybercrime complaints nationwide and map both the domestic and international supply chains used to source the equipment. In light of these events, Lucknow Police have issued a stern advisory to landlords and property owners, emphasizing the mandatory requirement for tenant verification to prevent such illegal hubs from operating in residential areas.