Patna: The Cyber Crime and Security Unit (CCSU) has intensified its crackdown on Aadhaar centres, cyber cafes and Point of Sale (POS) agents suspected of facilitating the supply of SIM cards later linked to cyber fraud.
Based on technical intelligence, cybercrime teams carried out operations in Nawada and Sheikhpura, recovering a large number of suspicious SIM cards, digital devices, banking documents and identity-related papers.
Investigators are examining whether customer details collected during Aadhaar, KYC and other government-related services were allegedly misused to obtain additional SIM cards.
96 SIM Cards Linked to 159 Cybercrime Complaints
In Nawada, the Cyber Police Station took action against Bhola Aadhaar Centre and Bhola Cyber Cafe.
According to the investigation, technical analysis and National Cyber Crime Reporting Portal (NCRP) records showed that 74 SIM cards issued through Bhola Aadhaar Centre were linked to 125 cybercrime complaints registered from different parts of the country.
The complaints involved alleged financial fraud amounting to Rs 51.81 lakh.
Another 22 SIM cards issued through Bhola Cyber Cafe were linked to 34 cybercrime complaints, involving alleged fraud of Rs 39.29 lakh. Together, the 96 SIM cards were linked to 159 NCRP complaints involving Rs 91.11 lakh in reported financial losses.
Printers, Passbooks and Biometric Devices Seized
During the Nawada operation, officials recovered five printers, Fino Payments Bank ATM cards and passbooks, cheque books, Ujjivan Bank passbooks and ATM cards, an HDFC Bank scanner, mobile phones, micro-ATMs, biometric devices and electronic scanners.
Investigators are examining the equipment and documents to determine how they may have been used in the suspected SIM issuance network.
POS Agent Arrested in Sheikhpura
A separate operation in Sheikhpura led to the arrest of POS agent Vijay Kumar.
Police said 40 SIM cards issued through his POS facility were linked to 60 NCRP complaints registered across different states. These complaints involved alleged cyber fraud of Rs 16.25 lakh. The search also resulted in the recovery of two laptops, four smartphones, one keypad mobile phone and 235 SIM cards.
Officials also seized two fingerprint readers, a UPI scanner, six passbooks, two ATM cards and seven Aadhaar-PAN cards.
How Customer Data Was Allegedly Misused
According to police, rural residents and people with limited digital literacy were allegedly approached in the name of MNP, KYC, ration cards, job cards or government services. They were reportedly taken through biometric verification procedures, after which their personal details may have been allegedly misused to obtain additional SIM cards.
Investigators are now examining the suspected role of the accused in supplying such SIM cards to cybercriminals.
Police Trace SIMs From Issuance to Cyber Fraud
CCSU and cyber police teams are matching SIM issuance records, KYC details, biometric verification data, POS activity and NCRP complaints to establish the complete chain. The mobile phones and laptops recovered during the operations are also being examined for information that could help identify other people allegedly connected with the network.
Cases have been registered in both districts, including Nawada Case No. 90/26 and Sheikhpura Case No. 33/2026. The investigation is continuing as authorities work to determine the scale of the suspected network and identify other individuals who may have been involved.
