The Central Bureau of Investigation (CBI) has detained a Vodafone area sales manager for allegedly aiding in the illegal distribution of bulk SIM cards. These cards were reportedly utilised by a cyber-criminal group engaged in extensive phishing activities, officials disclosed on Thursday. The involvement of Binu Vidhyadharan, stationed as the Vodafone area sales manager in New Delhi, emerged during an investigation into a cyber-criminal network operating from Delhi-NCR and Chandigarh last December.
The gang was reportedly offering bulk SMS services to international cyber criminals who targeted Indian citizens. They acquired approximately 21,000 SIM cards, violating Department of Telecommunications (DoT) regulations, to facilitate mass SMS transmissions. These messages were used by cyber criminals to send phishing messages, according to a CBI spokesperson. The SIM cards were managed via an online platform to distribute bulk messages.
Fraudulent Activities and Arrests
In December 2025, three individuals, including a channel partner of the telecom service provider, were apprehended and are currently in judicial custody. During the investigation, it was discovered that Vidhyadharan played an active role in facilitating the fraudulent issuance of SIM cards in bulk. He allegedly projected fake individuals as employees of Lord Mahavira Services India Private Limited and submitted their documents for KYC procedures.
Further revelations indicated that members of a family residing in Bengaluru were among those falsely represented as employees of the accused company. The CBI found copies of these individuals’ Aadhaar cards in Vidhyadharan’s possession. The SIM cards obtained through these deceptive means were subsequently used to operate the phishing ecosystem uncovered during the investigation.
Phishing Operations and Impact
Phishing is often the initial step in many cyber frauds, aiming to deceive unsuspecting individuals. It involves sending mass SMS, calls, or messages with false offers of loans or investments to lure victims. Once victims share their details or click on links, they become entangled in larger scams, resulting in financial losses. “The messages offered fake loans, investment opportunities and other financial benefits, with the aim of stealing personal and banking details of innocent people,” stated the CBI spokesperson.
Despite efforts to reach out for comments from Vodafone regarding this issue, there has been no response from the company. The investigation continues as authorities work to dismantle this phishing network and prevent further exploitation of innocent individuals.
The CBI’s findings highlight the significant role played by fraudulent SIM card issuance in enabling cyber crimes. By addressing such illegal activities, authorities aim to curb phishing operations and protect citizens from falling victim to scams.
With inputs from PTI
