Cyber Cell Busts Biometric Cloning Racket in Prayagraj
Police officers from the cyber cell made a significant arrest in Prayagraj on Friday. They captured a man involved in a sophisticated biometric cloning operation. This individual illegally copied customers' fingerprint data to produce fake SIM cards.
Details of the Arrest and Seizure
Authorities took Abhinav Bind into custody. The 28-year-old suspect hails from Teliyarganj. During the arrest, police confiscated a substantial amount of evidence from his possession.
Officers recovered 353 SIM cards in various states. These included activated, deactivated, and preactivated cards. The seizure also contained three mobile phones and one biometric machine with two charging cables.
Investigators found several documents along with nine fake fingerprints. Police also seized cash amounting to Rs 17,070 from the accused.
How the Fraud Operated
The investigation uncovered a disturbing method. Bind secretly created cloned fingerprints of his customers. He did this without their knowledge or consent. The accused then used this stolen biometric data to generate fraudulent SIM cards.
These illegal SIM cards entered the hands of cybercriminals. Criminals used them for various malicious activities. The cards facilitated organized cyber fraud across multiple platforms.
Financial frauds and online scams became possible through these SIMs. Other cybercrimes also utilized the fraudulent cards. The operation supported a wide range of illegal online activities.
Registered Complaints and Ongoing Probe
Three separate complaints related to these SIM cards appeared on the NCRP portal. These included both financial and non-financial grievances. The complaints highlighted the real-world impact of this criminal scheme.
Police continue to investigate the full extent of the operation. They are examining how many people fell victim to this biometric cloning. Authorities also work to identify all cybercriminals who purchased these fraudulent SIM cards.
This case demonstrates growing concerns about biometric security in India. It shows how criminals exploit personal data for illegal gains. The arrest represents a victory for cyber crime prevention efforts in Uttar Pradesh.
