Bengaluru Police Bust Major International Call Conversion Racket Worth Rs 40 Lakh

Investigation has revealed that the perpetrators, who originate from Kerala, have fled to Dubai and are currently evading authorities.

Bengaluru:

Authorities in Bengaluru have successfully dismantled an illegal operation where international phone calls were being converted to local calls to facilitate cybercrimes. Police confiscated equipment valued at approximately Rs 40 lakh during the raid.

The case began when a registration officer from Vodafone Limited filed a formal complaint with the cybercrime police station on November 28. The complaint alleged that SIM boxes were being operated on the fourth floor of the Devaraj building in Bengaluru's Electronic City area. These devices were being used to illegally transform international calls into local calls, enabling various cybercrimes, posing risks to national security, and causing significant financial damage to both the government and the telecommunications provider.

Following this report, cybercrime police officers conducted a thorough search of the identified location. During their operation, they discovered 28 SIM boxes, 1,193 SIM cards from various telecommunications companies, one laptop, three routers, one MI portable CC camera, and additional documentation. The combined value of all confiscated items was estimated at approximately Rs 40 lakh.

The ongoing investigation indicates that the seized SIM cards and SIM boxes were likely involved in numerous cybercriminal activities.

Further investigation has revealed that the suspects are natives of Kerala who have escaped to Dubai and remain at large.

Law enforcement has directed officials to conduct comprehensive inspections of infrastructure throughout the city to identify any other illegal SIM boxes that may be installed.

According to officials, this successful operation has contributed to reducing illegal telecommunication exchanges, enhancing national security, and demonstrating the authorities' dedication to safeguarding the financial interests of both the government and telecommunications companies.