Mumbai, July 27, 2026: Mumbai Cyber Police have initiated legal action against a telecom point-of-sale (POS) operator accused of supplying fraudulently activated SIM cards to cybercriminal networks. Investigators allege that the operator used forged or misused identity documents to obtain mobile connections, which were later circulated among organized cyber fraud groups operating across multiple states.

FIR Registered Following Cyber Fraud Investigation

The West Region Cyber Police registered a First Information Report (FIR) on July 21 after examining several cybercrime cases linked to suspicious mobile numbers. According to investigators, the accused, identified as Prathamesh Chorat, allegedly activated SIM cards using identity documents belonging to unsuspecting individuals between January 2025 and May 2026.

Authorities believe many of these documents may have originally been submitted by citizens for legitimate purposes such as banking or other verification processes before being misused to obtain unauthorized mobile connections.

‘Ghost SIMs’ Allegedly Used in Financial Scams

Police say the illegally activated mobile connections, commonly referred to as “ghost SIMs,” are frequently exploited by cybercriminals to conceal their identities while carrying out online fraud. These SIM cards are allegedly used to contact victims, bypass verification procedures, operate fraudulent bank accounts, and facilitate digital financial crimes.

Investigators stated that fraudsters used these numbers to communicate with potential victims through online platforms, gain their trust through deceptive tactics or intimidation, and ultimately persuade them to transfer money into multiple bank accounts controlled by criminal networks.

NCRP Database Helped Identify Suspected Links

The investigation was supported by data collected through the National Cybercrime Reporting Portal (NCRP) and information provided by the Indian Cybercrime Coordination Centre (I4C) under the Ministry of Home Affairs.

Officials analyzed records of cyber fraud complaints, including mobile numbers, bank accounts, and transaction details reported through the national cybercrime helpline and online complaint system. During the review, investigators reportedly discovered that several mobile numbers connected to cybercrime cases had been issued by specific telecom point-of-sale operators in the Mumbai Metropolitan Region.

Further verification with telecom service providers allegedly linked multiple suspicious SIM cards to the accused operator. Police also found complaints associated with these numbers from Maharashtra and West Bengal, indicating a wider geographical spread of the suspected operation.

Probe Suggests Organized Cybercrime Network

According to the FIR, organized cybercrime syndicates allegedly employ field agents to collect bank accounts and SIM cards registered in the names of unsuspecting individuals from different parts of the country. These resources are then reportedly used to facilitate various forms of online financial fraud, including investment scams, stock market frauds, digital arrest scams, and other cyber-enabled crimes.

Investigators suspect that the accused supplied multiple mule SIM cards to these criminal groups during the period under investigation. Authorities are now working to identify other individuals involved in the network, including those responsible for collecting identity documents, arranging bank accounts, and distributing illegally obtained mobile connections.

The investigation remains ongoing, and police are examining whether additional operators or intermediaries were involved in the alleged racket.c

A growing network of illegal digital lending applications has emerged as a major cybercrime challenge in Kerala, with investigators estimating that fraudulent loan platforms have allegedly caused losses of nearly ₹800 crore. Authorities say thousands of people, including women, students, small entrepreneurs, and financially vulnerable families, have been targeted by apps promising instant loans with minimal documentation.

Investigators have found that many victims not only suffered financial losses but also faced harassment, threats, and digital blackmail from recovery agents. In some cases, the extreme pressure reportedly resulted in severe emotional distress and tragic consequences.

Fraudulent Loan Apps Target Financially Vulnerable Users

According to cybercrime investigators, these illegal lending platforms are promoted through social media advertisements, messaging services, and fake websites that promise quick approval without traditional banking procedures.

Once users install these applications, they are often asked to provide extensive permissions, including access to phone contacts, images, camera, microphone, and location details. Many people in urgent need of money approve these requests without realizing that their personal data may later be misused.

Cybersecurity officials warn that granting unnecessary permissions can allow criminals to collect sensitive information and use it as a tool for intimidation.

High Interest Rates and Blackmail Tactics Allegedly Used

After issuing small loans, fraudulent apps allegedly impose extremely high interest rates, hidden fees, and short repayment periods. Borrowers who fail to repay within the given deadline are reportedly targeted by aggressive recovery methods.

Victims have alleged that recovery agents contact their relatives, friends, and colleagues to publicly shame them. Some have also reported threats involving the circulation of morphed photographs, abusive messages, or defamatory content using stolen personal information.

Experts say these tactics turn a small borrowing requirement into a cycle of financial pressure, harassment, and psychological trauma.

Investigators Trace Organised Cyber Networks

Police and cybercrime agencies have reportedly identified organised groups operating across different regions of India and from overseas locations. These networks are suspected of using fake companies, fraudulent bank accounts, payment channels, and mule accounts to hide the movement of illegally obtained money.

Authorities are examining digital evidence, financial records, and transaction trails to identify key operators behind these lending scams.

Investigators believe the operations involve multiple layers, including app developers, payment handlers, data collectors, and recovery agents, making it challenging to track the main offenders.

Experts Warn of Data Theft and Digital Exploitation

Cybersecurity specialists say illegal loan app fraud has expanded beyond financial crime and now involves large-scale data misuse and online harassment.

Former IPS officer and cybercrime expert Prof. Triveni Singh warned that such applications exploit people during financial emergencies while collecting unnecessary personal information. He advised citizens to rely only on authorised financial institutions and avoid downloading loan apps that demand excessive access to personal data.

Experts have recommended checking an app’s developer details, regulatory status, user feedback, and permissions before installation. Applications seeking access to unrelated personal information should be considered a warning sign.

Awareness and Regulation Needed to Fight Loan App Fraud

Cybersecurity professionals believe stronger monitoring of digital lending platforms, improved coordination between banks, technology companies, and law enforcement agencies, along with increased public awareness, are necessary to tackle the growing threat.

Authorities have advised victims of loan app harassment, blackmail, or financial fraud to immediately report incidents through official cybercrime reporting channels or approach local police stations.

As digital lending continues to expand, experts stress that responsible online behaviour and verification of financial services remain essential to preventing cyber-enabled financial exploitation.

Police in Punjab’s Moga district have registered a case against three employees of Annapurna Finance Private Limited for allegedly misappropriating ₹11.70 lakh from the company’s Ajitwal branch. The accused have been booked after an internal inquiry and a preliminary investigation reportedly found evidence supporting allegations of document forgery and financial misconduct.

Internal Audit Reveals Suspicious Transactions

According to police officials, the complaint was filed by Pragat Singh, the company’s Area Manager, who oversees operations of eight branches, including the Ajitwal unit.

The alleged irregularities came to light during routine monitoring and verification of financial records. Following the detection of suspicious transactions, the company conducted an internal review to examine possible discrepancies in branch accounts.

The complaint alleged that employees posted at the Ajitwal branch — identified as Kuldeep Singh, Nachhattar Singh, and Robin — were involved in preparing false documents, creating inaccurate records, and manipulating financial entries.

Investigation Finds Prima Facie Evidence

Due to the seriousness of the allegations, the matter was referred to the Deputy Superintendent of Police (Special Crime) for further examination.

During the inquiry, investigators reviewed banking details, branch records, financial documents, and transaction-related evidence. The preliminary findings reportedly indicated that the allegations had sufficient basis for registration of a criminal case.

Following the inquiry report, Ajitwal Police registered an FIR against the three accused under relevant provisions of the Bharatiya Nyaya Sanhita (BNS) related to cheating, forgery, criminal breach of trust, and other offences.

Police Examine Money Trail and Possible Involvement of Others

Authorities said the investigation is ongoing and teams are examining the movement of the allegedly diverted funds. Police are working to identify the accounts that may have received the money and determine whether additional individuals were involved.

Investigators are also analyzing digital transaction records, banking trails, and company documents to establish the complete nature of the alleged financial irregularities.

The probe will further examine whether gaps in internal controls or monitoring systems were exploited to carry out the suspected fraud. If evidence reveals the involvement of additional persons, further legal action may follow.

Experts Highlight Need for Stronger Internal Controls

Financial security experts have emphasized the importance of strict internal audit procedures, employee verification systems, transaction monitoring, and multi-level approval processes to prevent insider fraud in financial organizations.

They recommend that financial institutions adopt stronger safeguards, including separation of duties, regular independent audits, risk-based monitoring, and improved digital transaction oversight.

Such measures can help detect suspicious activities at an early stage, reduce financial losses, and improve transparency within organizations.

Meanwhile, Moga Police continue their investigation into the alleged embezzlement case, with further action expected based on the evidence collected.