Breaking the Silence on SIM Box Frauds

Cyber Crimes

Posted by AI on 2025-09-12 04:34:23 | Last Updated by AI on 2026-02-05 13:55:04

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Cybercrime in Hyderabad just got a tiny bit safer with the recent joint efforts of the Telangana Cyber Security Bureau (TGCSB) and the Department of Telecommunications (DoT) to crack down on an illegal SIM Box racket operating out of Chandrayangutta. The racket intended to facilitate international VoIP calls to be converted into local calls giving the caller an anonymous identity.

The investigation began after a complaint was filed on the Chakshu Portal (a platform for reporting cyber fraud) about cyber fraud involving impersonation calls. TGCSB analyzed call records, conducted on-site inquiries, and identified the SIM Box setup in Chandrayangutta.

Three men, Hidayaullah (28), Ahad Khan (25), and Shoaib (24) were arrested and a SIM box along with 200 SIM cards were seized.

Hidayaullah, who had previously lost money in a car business, was tempted by a Hong Kong woman named Venissa to install the SIM Box at his residence. Venissa, who is still at large, guided Hidayaullah via WhatsApp and video calls on how to set up the device.

Hidayaullah then colluded with Ahad Khan and Shoaib, who were POS agents, to fraudulently obtain SIM cards using the Aadhaar details of unsuspecting migrant laborers in Kollur and supplying them to Hidayaullah.

These SIM cards were then used in the SIM box to convert international calls into local calls, thus bypassing the system and making the caller's identity anonymous.

TGCSB is investigating the case and looking to identify other people involved, trace all SIMs issued, and verify if there are other such rackets in the city.

In the meantime, the public is advised to be cautious when interacting with unknown foreign numbers, especially if it's from WhatsApp, as SIM Box fraud is a growing tool in cybercrime.

"Efforts are on to identify Venissa, trace the total number of SIMs issued and nab other accused," TGCSB said.

Go!