Pune: Criminal Case Registered for Fraudulent Distribution of 71 SIM Cards

Chandannagar, 8th October 2023: The Chandannagar police have taken legal action against unknown individuals for their involvement in distributing 71 SIM cards using fraudulent documentation, which included fake Aadhaar cards. This matter came to light following a complaint filed by an employee of Vodafone Idea Limited. Preliminary reports indicate that the suspected perpetrator may be from the Hadapsar area, according to police sources.

The illicit operation unfolded between February 1 and March 31, 2020, at AM Enterprises in Kharadi. Chetan Vijay Deshmukh, a 44-year-old regulatory affairs officer employed by the mobile network operator Vodafone Idea Limited, formally lodged the complaint. In his role, Deshmukh interfaces with the Ministry of Telecom, Government of India, on behalf of the company, which is responsible for the production and distribution of SIM cards throughout various regions in India.

A stringent verification process is in place before SIM cards reach their intended districts. These cards undergo finalization at a warehouse, where a 10-digit mobile number is assigned to each. District-level distributors, appointed by the company, then deliver these SIM cards to retailers who, in turn, sell them to customers.

Vodafone Idea Limited diligently records all relevant information, including details of distributors, retailers, and warehouses. This data comprises copies of retailer Aadhaar cards, passport-sized photographs, and customer personal information, such as names and addresses, all stored within the Vodafone VI app. The Department of Telecom, Government of India, regularly conducts verification checks on these stored documents, submitting verification reports to Vodafone to ensure compliance with strict regulatory standards.

The detection of the scam was prompted by alarming discrepancies uncovered during a recent audit. It was revealed that SIM cards had been distributed using fraudulent documentation, including multiple SIM cards issued under the same name. In August 2022, the Department of Telecom, Government of India, alerted Vodafone to these irregularities through email communication. Subsequent investigations unveiled discrepancies related to the sale of 71 Vodafone SIM cards, prompting Chetan Deshmukh to formally file a complaint at the Chandannagar police station. Police sub-inspector Rameshwar Revale is currently leading the investigation.

Initial reports indicate that the suspect may have ties to the Hadapsar area. The case is under active investigation, and further developments will be reported as they emerge