Berhampur Cyber Police arrested one person for supplying pre‑activated SIM cards to cybercriminals during Operation Cyber Kavach.
The accused, identified as Prasanta Behera, 33, of Pandarasahi in Digapahandi, was apprehended on February 27, 2026.
Police launched the statewide operation under the direction of the Odisha DGP to curb cybercrime involving mule bank accounts and pre‑activated SIM cards. Acting on intelligence from the Indian Cyber Crime Coordination Centre (I4C), officers raided a SIM selling point at Badabazar, Berhampur.
Investigators revealed that Behera obtained a SIM card on February 18, 2021, through proper KYC norms but immediately handed it over to cybercriminals. Fraudsters later used the number to lure victims with fake “part‑time job” offers via Telegram and WhatsApp. The scam defrauded victims in Vikarabad, Telangana, of Rs 4,77,433.
Police seized one VIVO mobile handset and five SIM cards from Behera. He was produced before the court the same day.
Authorities emphasised that individuals must never obtain SIM cards in their names to give or sell to others, as they remain legally responsible for any criminal activity linked to those numbers. Officials also warned citizens to remain cautious of fraudulent job offers on messaging platforms and to report suspicious activity immediately.
