Hyderabad Police's Operation Octopus 3.0 Dismantles Ghost SIM Network, Arrests 66 Individuals
Hyderabad Police's 'Octopus 3.0' busts Ghost SIM network, 66 nabbed
Image: Asianet Newsable
Hyderabad City Police's Operation Octopus 3.0 has led to the arrest of 66 individuals linked to a Ghost SIM network facilitating cyber fraud, involving a total fraudulent amount of ₹101.87 crore (approximately $12.2 million USD). The operation identified 1,194 fraudulent SIMs across 13 states, with a focus on enhancing telecom oversight and public safety.
- 01The operation spanned seven days and involved 18 teams across 13 states, resulting in the seizure of 544 SIM cards in Hyderabad alone.
- 02Of the 66 arrested, 44 were Ghost SIM holders, 20 were Point of Sale (PoS) agents, and 2 were suppliers of Ghost SIMs.
- 03Fraudsters activated SIM cards under genuine customers' names without their consent and converted them to eSIMs for illicit use abroad.
- 04Hyderabad Police plans to collaborate with major telecom operators to enhance oversight and improve KYC processes.
- 05Public advisories have been issued urging citizens to avoid sharing personal information with unauthorized vendors and to verify SIM registrations.
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In a significant crackdown on cyber fraud, the Hyderabad City Police launched Operation Octopus 3.0, resulting in the arrest of 66 individuals linked to a Ghost SIM network implicated in 76 cybercrime cases across India, with a total fraudulent amount of ₹101.87 crore (approximately $12.2 million USD). This operation identified 1,194 Ghost SIMs and involved 18 teams deployed across 13 states over a week. The seized SIMs included 544 in Hyderabad, many of which were ready for deployment in cybercrime activities. The arrested individuals included 44 Ghost SIM holders, 20 Point of Sale (PoS) agents, and 2 suppliers. The investigation revealed that fraudsters activated SIM cards in the names of unsuspecting customers, often targeting less digitally literate individuals. In response, the police are enhancing collaboration with telecom companies to improve oversight and KYC processes. Additionally, a public advisory has been issued, urging citizens to refrain from sharing sensitive personal information with unauthorized vendors and to verify their SIM registrations regularly.
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This operation aims to significantly reduce cyber fraud activities in Hyderabad and surrounding regions, enhancing public safety and trust in the telecom system.
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