CBI Arrests Key Conspirator in Illegal SIM Card Scheme in Guwahati

Major Arrest in Cyber Crime Investigation

The Central Bureau of Investigation (CBI) has apprehended a significant conspirator involved in the illegal acquisition of over 10,000 SIM cards intended for cyber crimes in Guwahati. Officials disclosed this information on Monday.

The suspect, identified as Obaid Ullah, had been on the run since August of the previous year and was captured early Sunday morning.

According to a statement from a CBI spokesperson, the arrested individual had unlawfully obtained SIM cards in Guwahati and had been evading authorities since August 2025. The investigation revealed that he transferred approximately 6.7 million rupees to a Point of Sale (POS) agent through multiple bank accounts to acquire these illegally issued SIM cards.

The spokesperson further noted that evidence related to courier transactions used to obtain these SIM cards was also uncovered. This arrest is part of the CBI's 'Operation Chakra-Five,' which aims to intensify actions against the infrastructure of cyber crimes across India.

Last year, the CBI initiated a case against POS agents who facilitated cyber criminals involved in issuing SIM cards illegally and committing frauds related to digital arrests, loans, and investments. During the investigation, search operations were conducted at around 45 locations across eight states, leading to the arrest of 10 POS agents implicated in the issuance of fake or illegally obtained SIM cards.