Govt blocks 28,200 mobile handsets used in cybercrimes

The government has directed telecom operators to block 28,200 mobile handsets used in carrying cybercrimes while 20 lakh mobile numbers associated with these handsets have to be re-verified. In case, the re-verification of the numbers fails, the same would be disconnected.

The government is working through a collaboration of different ministries to check cybercrimes. The Department of Telecommunications (DoT), Ministry of Home Affairs (MHA) and State Police have joined hands to curb the misuse of telecom resources in cyber-crime and financial frauds. This collaborative effort aims to dismantle networks of fraudsters and protect citizens from digital threats.

As per analysis carried out by MHA and the Police, it was discovered that 28,200 mobile handsets were misused in cybercrimes. A further analysis by DoT found that a staggering 20 lakh numbers were used with these mobile handsets.

Subsequently, DoT issued directions to telecom service providers for pan India blocking of 28,200 mobile handsets and to carry out immediate reverification of 20 lakh mobile connections linked to these mobile handsets and disconnect failing re-verification.

The unified approach demonstrates a shared commitment towards public safety and to safeguard the integrity of telecommunications infrastructure and ensure a secure digital environment.

A few months ago, the government launched the Digital Intelligence Platform (DIP) for coordination among the stakeholders to curb misuse of telecom resources in cyber-crime and financial frauds.

The DIP, developed by the DoT, is a secure and integrated platform for real time intelligence sharing, information exchange and coordination among the stakeholders including telcos, law enforcement agencies (LEAs), banks and financial institutions (FIs), social media platforms, identity document issuing authorities.

The DIP is accessible to the stakeholders over secure connectivity and the relevant information is shared based on their respective roles. The said platform is not accessible to citizens.