CBI Busts Illegal SIM Card Racket in Assam

The Central Bureau of Investigation (CBI) arrested three individuals, including Debashish Doley, a Territorial Sales Manager (TSM) of Airtel in Silchar, Assam, for their alleged role in the unauthorized sale of SIM cards used in cybercrimes like digital arrest scams, impersonation frauds, and UPI-related cheating. The arrests, part of the CBI’s Operation Chakra, followed raids at five locations in Cachar district on Wednesday, targeting middlemen Mahim Uddin Barbhuiya and Ashim Purkayastha alongside Doley.

The CBI’s investigation revealed a sophisticated scheme where Doley colluded with distributors and point-of-sale (PoS) agents to issue “ghost SIM cards” without the knowledge of the individuals in whose names they were registered. The scam involved deceiving customers by claiming their initial e-KYC verification failed, prompting a second attempt.

The first SIM was given to the customer, while the second—unbeknownst to them—was sold to cybercriminals at inflated prices. These ghost SIMs facilitated crimes such as digital arrests, fake advertisements, and investment frauds, often operated from Southeast Asian countries targeting Indian citizens.

Searches uncovered incriminating evidence, including mobile phones, electronic devices, and KYC documents, now under forensic examination. The CBI’s broader probe, initiated in May 2025, identified 39 PoS agents across eight states selling 1,100 ghost SIMs, with 64,223 mobile numbers linked to cybercrimes. The agency noted that these SIMs were used to open mule bank accounts, enabling fraudsters to launder money and evade detection.

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The arrests highlight systemic lapses in SIM issuance protocols, with the CBI probing potential complicity of telecom executives. “This action reflects India’s commitment to dismantling cybercrime infrastructure,” a CBI spokesperson said, emphasizing efforts to curb unauthorized SIM sales fueling fraud. The accused were presented before a local magistrate in Assam, where the CBI secured transit remand for further investigation.

Airtel has not responded to queries regarding Doley’s arrest. The crackdown underscores the growing threat of SIM-enabled cybercrimes, with authorities urging stricter compliance with KYC norms to protect consumers.

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