New Delhi: The Indira Gandhi International (IGI) Unit of the Delhi Police has successfully dismantled a SIM smuggling operation linked to an international online gaming network, officials announced on Saturday.
Five individuals, all hailing from Madhya Pradesh, were apprehended for allegedly fraudulently procuring and dispatching 398 activated Indian SIM cards abroad, primarily destined for Dubai, according to a police statement.
The operation came to light on February 15 when the Central Industrial Security Force (CISF) intercepted one Sunil Rawat at Terminal 3 of IGI Airport. Rawat, an Indian national preparing to board a flight to Dubai, was found in possession of 398 active SIM cards registered under various names.
Investigations revealed that Rawat was reportedly acting on the instructions of a Dubai-based contact named Faisal, who had promised him ₹35,000 and a job in exchange for transporting the SIM cards.
“During interrogation, Rawat disclosed that the SIM cards were arranged by his associates in Madhya Pradesh and sent to him via courier,” the statement noted.
The primary suppliers of the SIM cards were identified as Ashwin Kumar and Ankit Kumawat, both residents of Madhya Pradesh. A police team was dispatched to the Ujjain and Dewas districts, resulting in the arrest of Ankit Kumawat.
According to police reports, Kumawat procured the SIM cards by deceiving locals with offers of free data and calls. Each SIM card was sold for ₹500 to Ashwin Kumar, who subsequently transferred them to his brother Manish Kumar and associate Faisal in Dubai.
Ashwin Kumar, who runs a small trading business in Dewas, has also been arrested in connection with the case.
Reports indicate that he confessed to supplying SIM cards, which were subsequently used by Faisal to create accounts and manipulate gaming applications, allowing him to accumulate points that were later sold for profit.
In addition, three other individuals—Manish Kumar (Ashwin’s brother), Lokendra Sendhav, and Dwarka Prasad, all residents of Dewas—were apprehended. Lokendra allegedly permitted his bank account to be used for receiving payments, while Prasad acted as an intermediary, facilitating communication between the accused parties for a commission.
Authorities have stated that Faisal, the suspected mastermind behind the operation, remains at large, and efforts are underway to locate him.
“The use of Indian SIM cards in cross-border digital operations presents a significant threat. These cards may have been employed as tools for concealing identities and facilitating fraud on online platforms,” the police warned.
