Illegal SIM Card Racket Busted in Hyderabad, 184 SIMs Seized, Two Arrested
Hyderabad CCS Special Crime Team and Nampally Police arrested two persons with 184 illegally activated SIM cards. Police warn citizens to be cautious while sharing KYC details.
In a major crackdown on telecom-related crime, the Special Crime Team of CCS, Hyderabad City, along with Nampally Police, arrested two persons in possession of 184 illegally activated SIM cards. The operation was carried out on January 17, 2026, following credible information about the illegal sale of pre-activated SIMs in Hyderabad.
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The case has raised serious concerns over misuse of KYC details and biometric data, prompting police to issue a strong public advisory.
Accused Arrested With Illegally Activated SIM Cards
Police apprehended the two accused while they were allegedly attempting to sell illegally activated SIM cards at high prices in Hyderabad.
Details of the arrested persons:
- Nanevath Dinesh Kumar Naik (22)
SIM distributor running Lavanya Enterprises, Cuddapah, Andhra Pradesh - Parnapally Sai Pradeep (24)
Airtel SIM promoter, Cuddapah, Andhra Pradesh
Both were reportedly operating a SIM distribution setup in Cuddapah district before bringing the illegal SIM cards to Hyderabad.
What Was Seized by Police
During the operation, police recovered the following items:
- 184 illegally activated SIM cards
- Airtel: 150
- Jio: 34
- 4 mobile phones
The seized material was handed over to Nampally Police Station for further legal action.
How the SIM Card Fraud Was Carried Out
According to police, the accused used a deceptive method to activate SIM cards illegally:
- Customers visited their store to buy Vodafone-Idea SIM cards
- Without informing customers, the accused allegedly:
- Activated Airtel SIM cards instead
- Misused KYC documents and fingerprints
- These pre-activated SIMs were later sold illegally in Hyderabad
Police said such SIM cards are often misused for cybercrime, financial fraud, and other illegal activities.
Police Advisory to Citizens
Following the arrests, Hyderabad police issued a clear warning to the public:
- Purchase SIM cards only from authorized network stores
- Do not share fingerprints, Aadhaar, or KYC documents carelessly
- Always verify which SIM is being activated in your name
Authorities stressed that illegal SIM card usage poses a serious threat to public safety.
Investigation Continues
The arrest was made by the Special Crime Team under CCS, Hyderabad, and further investigation is underway to identify:
- Buyers of the illegal SIM cards
- Possible links to larger cybercrime networks
Police said more arrests are likely as the probe progresses.
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