Bhubaneswar: What initially appeared to be a small-scale SIM fraud operation has escalated into a serious national security concern, with links traced to Pakistan-based handlers. A local court in Bhubaneswar has convicted seven individuals involved in creating fake SIM cards and sharing OTP access with operatives allegedly connected to Inter-Services Intelligence.
Investigations led by the Odisha Special Task Force uncovered a well-organised network that forged identities, activated SIM cards in bulk, and sold OTP credentials for monetary gain. These compromised digital access points were then used to open mule bank accounts, run anonymous social media profiles, and facilitate suspicious financial transactions.
The accused, arrested in 2023, were found to be in communication with handlers based in Pakistan, prompting authorities to invoke stringent national security laws. The scale and sophistication of the operation led agencies to seek international cooperation from INTERPOL, underscoring its global reach.
Officials have warned that the case highlights how seemingly minor digital fraud can evolve into significant security threats when exploited by organised cross-border networks, raising concerns over vulnerabilities in identity verification and telecom systems.
-OdishaAge
