Bhubaneswar, Odisha: In a significant operation against international call fraud, the Odisha Police have successfully dismantled a SIM box racket allegedly operated by a Bangladeshi national. The racket was used to reroute international calls to Pakistan, China, and the West Asia, posing a serious threat to national security.
A West Bengal resident, Raju Mandal, was arrested in connection with the racket. Police seized over 1,000 pre-activated SIM cards, routers, and other equipment from a residence in Bhubaneswar where the operation was being run. The racket was sophisticated, employing advanced technology to mask the original phone numbers and evade detection.
Mandal was reportedly working on behalf of a Bangladeshi national identified as Asadur Jaman. The operation was conducted from a rented property in Bhubaneswar, with Mandal overseeing the maintenance of UPS, internet, and other services. According to Sanjeeb Panda, the Commissioner of Police for Bhubaneswar-Cuttack, the racket was being run from a rented property in Bhubaneswar.
During preliminary interrogation, Mandal revealed that the SIM boxes were used to obscure the original phone numbers, enabling international calls to be rerouted to destinations such as Pakistan, China, and the Middle East. Despite residing in West Bengal, Mandal frequently traveled to Bhubaneswar to troubleshoot SIM-related issues and perform necessary repairs.
Commissioner Panda explained that SIM boxes are often used for illegal activities, including cybercrime, hate speech, terrorism, and extortion. This makes it difficult for law enforcement agencies to track the true origin of calls, posing a significant challenge to national security.
Asadur Jaman reportedly entered India through Agartala in October 2023 and stayed in Bhubaneswar until December of the same year. During this time, he made payments to Mandal and is believed to have set up two additional SIM boxes, which are expected to be dismantled soon.
The Odisha Police are considering seeking assistance from national investigative agencies and Interpol, as the main suspect in the case is a Bangladeshi national, Panda added. The dismantling of this international call fraud racket is a significant victory for the Odisha Police and a testament to their commitment to combating cybercrime and protecting national security.
