A cybercrime investigation in Chhattisgarh has uncovered an alleged SIM card racket in which authorised retailers secretly activated extra mobile connections using customers’ Aadhaar details and biometric verification. The illegally issued SIMs were later used in cyber frauds, including fake lottery scams, sextortion and online financial crimes.
The racket surfaced during investigations into multiple cybercrime cases, including a fake Kaun Banega Crorepati (KBC) lottery scam and an investment fraud in which a Gariyaband resident lost ₹7.9 lakh. Tracing the mobile numbers used in these cases led investigators to suspicious SIM activations.
According to police, customers visiting authorised SIM outlets completed the mandatory Aadhaar-based e-KYC process to obtain a new connection. However, retailers allegedly reused their fingerprint and facial authentication to activate additional SIM cards without informing them.
While customers received the SIM they had requested, the extra connections were allegedly sold to cybercriminals operating across different states. Since the numbers were registered in the names of unsuspecting citizens, tracing the actual fraudsters became significantly more difficult for investigators.
As part of Operation Cyber Shield, Chhattisgarh Police arrested two authorised Point of Sale (POS) agents accused of running the scheme. Investigators relied on telecom activation records, subscriber details and technical evidence before questioning the accused, who allegedly admitted to the misuse of the Aadhaar-based verification process.
Police are now trying to identify those who purchased the illegally activated SIM cards and determine the scale of the network. Citizens have been urged to verify that only one SIM is activated during the e-KYC process and regularly check the mobile numbers linked to their Aadhaar to prevent identity misuse.
