Gujarat–Dubai SIM trafficking ring busted by cyber-police

Cyber crime investigators in Gujarat have dismantled an international SIM-trafficking network that reportedly supplied over 1,000 illegally activated Indian SIM cards to Dubai-based fraud syndicates - a breakthrough in ongoing efforts against “digital-arrest” and cross-border scams. 

How the racket operated

The syndicate - allegedly based in Ahmedabad — collected Aadhaar, voter ID and biometric data from unsuspecting telecom customers under the pretext of routine SIM transfers or re-activations. Behind their back, the gang issued fresh SIM cards, paid commissions ranging from ₹400 to ₹1,500 per card, and funneled them through a network of middlemen before reaching Dubai. 

Once abroad, these SIM cards were reportedly used by cyber-fraud groups for “digital-arrest” scams, betting-related fraud, and various other illegal operations — exploiting the anonymity and cross-border reach these cards provided.

Police intervention & arrests

Following complaints by victims who discovered SIM cards in their name used in criminal cases, the Gujarat Cyber Crime Police launched an investigation. Their probe uncovered the international trafficking pipeline, leading to multiple arrests and seizure of documents, SIMs and equipment used to activate and transport SIM cards.

The crackdown is part of a larger sweep against cyber fraud in Gujarat — including a recent bust by Gujarat CID and the Railways Cyber Centre of Excellence, which exposed a large-scale ₹200 crore cyber-crime syndicate with links to Dubai, involving fake bank and mule-account operations

Wider implications & vigilance warnings

This case underlines how personal identity documents and trusted telecom services are being hijacked to fuel organised cybercrime. The misuse of legitimate-looking SIM cards by offshore fraud networks demonstrates heightened sophistication — and elevated risks for ordinary citizens.

Authorities warn telecom customers to carefully monitor SIM-related requests, immediately report unauthorized SIM activations, and verify any suspicious activity via official government portals. The incident is also likely to prompt stricter scrutiny and regulation of SIM-issuance and identity verification procedures across India.