How TGCSB busted Cambodia-based cyber gang with Hyderabad and Chinese links
Police have so far arrested five local cybercriminals in Hyderabad, Warangal, and Uttar Pradesh who diverted 600 Indian SIM cards illegally to international gangsters.
By - Newsmeter Network
TGCSB busts Cambodia-based cyber gang for defrauding Indians
Hyderabad: Telangana Cyber Security Bureau (TGCSB) has busted a Cambodia-based Chinese cyber fraud syndicate involved in defrauding Indian citizens of crores of rupees.
Police have so far arrested five local cybercriminals in Hyderabad, Warangal, and Uttar Pradesh who diverted 600 Indian SIM cards illegally to international gangsters.
Those arrested have been identified as:
Rizvan, son of Osman Ali; age: 29; residential address Kirthal (V), Ramala PS, Baraut, UP
Syed Ashraf Ali, son of Syed Aziz Ali; age:30; residential address, H. No. 18-13-6/77/2, Hashmabad, A1-Jubair Colony, Chandrayangutta, Hyderabad.
Syed Sohail, son of Syed Abdul Qayyum; residential address, H.No. 18-7-198/425/99/5, Aman Nagar, Talab Katta, Hyderabad Pin 500002,
Ateeq Ahmed, son of Ashfaq Ahmed; residential address, H No 18-7-424/2, Aman Nagar, Talab Katta, Charminar, PO: Hyderabad, Jubilee, Hyderabad -500002
Nune Ashok, son of Nune Kumaraswamy; age:29; occupation: Team leader at Airtel Distribution Point at Hanumakonda; residential address, H. No. 1-62, Kannur Village, Kamalapur Mandal, Karimnagar district, Telangana-505101.
Police said on March 31, immigration authorities at Rajiv Gandhi International Airport (Shamshabad) intercepted Syed Ashraf Ali when he was trying to carry 198 SIM cards to Cambodia on the instructions of Rizvan. He was immediately handed over to TGCSB.
A case vide Cr. No.39/2026 under section 66 C, D ITA Act-2008 and Sec. 318(4), 56, 61, 113 r/w 62 BNS, Sec. 42(3)(e) of the Telecommunication Act was registered at CCPS HQrs, TGCSB.
During questioning, Syed Ashraf Ali said the network is being operated from Cambodia. Rizvan, who is the local coordinator, procures SIM cards through his network of agents.
More than 600 SIM cards have been illegally shipped since 2023 in six separate instances through this organized network. Police said that while five accused have been arrested so far, the network is much larger, with multiple layers of operatives.
Elobarating, police said Syed Ashraf went to Dubai in 2023, where he befriended Rizvan of Uttar Pradesh.
“At that time, Ashraf was working in a hotel, and Rizvan was working in a Gaming call centre in Dubai. Rizvan offered him a lucrative amount for supplying Indian SIM cards. Later, Ashraf began procuring SIM cards. These Indian SIM cards are being used for cybercrime like phishing, identity theft, impersonation, and extortion, causing huge losses to Indian citizens. The illegal supply chain worked in a structured manner from local Point of Sale (POS) agents on commission, often using fake or impersonated documents,” said Shikha Goel, Director, Telangana Cyber Security Bureau.
Police said Syed Sohail, Ateeq Ahmed, and Nune Ashok were running a point of sale centre. Sohail also works at Jio as a promoter. Besides, he also runs Airtel POS. Ateeq and Ashok also run Airtel POS. Together, they procured and supplied 600+ active SIM cards to be used for financial fraud.
Arvind Kumar alias Shahid, who works as a courier for this gang, is absconding. Efforts are on to apprehend him along with the remaining members of the network, including those operating from abroad.
“Investigation is continuing. Such activities are serious offences that affect national security, economic stability, and public order. Using fraudulently procured SIM cards allows criminals to operate anonymously, making detection and enforcement harder for law enforcement agencies. TGCSB remains vigilant and has a zero-tolerance approach towards such crimes. Strict legal action will be taken against all involved,” said Goel.
Police have advised the public to be careful and aware of such activities. “Citizens should be vigilant while opening bank accounts or procuring SIM cards. They should not allow the misuse of personal documents, which could be exploited for illegal activities. The public may check their SIM card data on the Sancharsathi website. They should immediately report if any unauthorised SIM cards are found in their name,” said Goel.
