Hyderabad Police conducted a nationwide operation targeting the Ghost SIM network, resulting in the arrest of 66 individuals across 13 states. The operation, known as Operation Octopus 3.0, aimed to dismantle the infrastructure supporting cyber fraud activities. Ghost SIMs, fraudulently activated mobile connections, were used by cybercriminals to conceal their identities.
The arrested individuals include Ghost SIM holders, PoS agents, and telecom promoters involved in cybercrime activities. These arrests are linked to 76 cybercrime cases across India, amounting to Rs 101.87 crore in fraudulent transactions. The operation also revealed how PoS agents exploited customers by activating additional SIM cards without their knowledge for illegal purposes.
Operation Octopus is part of Hyderabad Police’s ongoing efforts to combat cybercrime and reform financial systems vulnerable to exploitation. The focus now shifts to collaborating with Telecom Service Providers to establish stringent protocols against the misuse of Ghost SIM cards. Authorities plan to engage with regulatory bodies to strengthen KYC procedures and prevent the illicit use of SIM cards for criminal activities.
Hyderabad Police, under the supervision of key officials, will continue to work towards securing the financial ecosystem and disrupting cybercrime networks. The successful operation underscores the importance of proactive measures to safeguard against emerging cyber threats.
