CBI Probes Police Proxy SIM Network in Igatpuri Fake Call Centre Case
On July 3, 2026, details emerged that the Central Bureau of Investigation (CBI) has expanded its investigation into an alleged nexus between police officers and a fake call centre syndicate in Igatpuri, Nashik. Investigators are probing a covert communication network of proxy SIM cards used by police personnel to communicate with syndicate operators and collect protection money without leaving digital footprints.
The fake call centre was originally busted in Igatpuri in August 2025. According to officials, the CBI has recently recorded statements from several citizens whose stolen or exploited identity documents were used to register the proxy SIM cards. These temporary connections, known as 'khacha' SIM cards, were allegedly distributed to police personnel under investigation to maintain untraceable contact with syndicate operators, including accused Vishal Yadav and the absconding mastermind Sandeep Singh.
Investigators suspect the proxy network was designed to coordinate protection arrangements and facilitate the delivery of protection money. By using these proxy SIMs instead of official or personal mobile numbers, the involved police personnel avoided creating Call Detail Records (CDRs) that could link them to the syndicate in the event of a raid.
The CBI is currently mapping the roles of at least seven police personnel whose names have surfaced. To reconstruct the conspiracy, investigators are corroborating witness statements with digital evidence, including CDRs and electronic data seized during the August 2025 raid.
According to officials, many of the proxy SIM cards are now inactive or have been destroyed to eliminate evidence. The CBI is tracing the conspiracy backwards to Palghar, where the syndicate allegedly operated for nearly three years before moving a portion of its infrastructure to Igatpuri in June 2025. While the Igatpuri unit operated for only 48 hours before being dismantled in August 2025, investigators believe it was part of a much larger network.
The proxy SIM cards were reportedly procured using the identities of economically vulnerable individuals, such as daily wage workers and members of tribal communities. These individuals were allegedly induced with promises of government benefits, help with opening bank accounts, or small payments.
To evade forensic detection, the police officials involved allegedly used simple keypad phones for these proxy SIMs. They also ensured that these devices were never turned on at the same time as their personal phones, thereby avoiding co-location-based mobile tower mapping. The CBI is also investigating whether the retirement, transfer, or medical leave of certain police personnel posted in Palghar during the relevant period is connected to the case.
