CURATED BY – RAJIV KHARE | CITYCHIEFNEWSa

Dongargarh, Chhattisgarh Police's cyber cell has busted a major cyber crime racket in Dongargarh. Police have arrested Ajay Motghare, operator of a shop called 'Ajju Mobile' located at Railway Chowk, who was illegally selling fake SIM cards. Investigation has revealed that these SIM cards were being used for online fraud, bank fraud and cyber crimes internationally.

A large quantity of fake SIM cards, several mobile phones and other electronic devices have been recovered in the raid by the cyber police. Initial investigation revealed that the SIM cards issued by Ajay Motghare were sold to cyber criminals in countries like United Arab Emirates (UAE), Sri Lanka, Nepal and Myanmar.
The matter came to light when the police got clues of an international cyber crime network while investigating several complaints related to cyber crime. According to police sources, this network was not only using these SIM cards to activate fake bank accounts, but was also involved in activities like online fraud and cyber espionage.

The cyber police took action in this case under 'Operation Cyber ​​Shield', in which 13 POS agents who sold fake SIM cards to create mule bank accounts (bank accounts opened for fraud) have also been arrested. A total of 98 accused have been arrested so far under this operation.

This case has once again proved that cyber crime is not limited to the local level, but its strings can be connected to international organized crime gangs. Fake SIM cards are used for a variety of illegal activities, including:

✔ Bank fraud and online fraud

✔ Cyber ​​espionage at national and international levels

✔ Spreading rumors and duping people through fake social media accounts

✔ Illegal sale of data through the dark web

In view of this matter, cyber security experts have appealed to citizens to be cautious. The following measures are necessary to avoid cyber crime:

✔ Keep your mobile number and personal information safe and do not give it to any unknown person.

✔ Avoid clicking on any suspicious link, email or SMS.

✔ Use two-factor authentication (2FA) so that accounts are more secure.

✔ Be cautious while using public Wi-Fi networks.

✔ If an unknown person calls and asks for bank or OTP information, inform the police immediately.

The cyber cell is now looking for other people associated with this network and is investigating other contacts of Ajay Motghare. Police believe that many more people may be involved in this network, who are involved in selling and using fake SIM cards.

The cyber police has appealed to the public that if anyone sees any suspicious activity related to cyber crime, then immediately lodge a complaint at the nearest police station or cyber helpline number. A detailed investigation of this case is going on and more arrests may be made soon.