Additional Coverage:
- Secret Service agents dismantle network that could shut down New York cellphone system (nbcnews.com)
Secret Service Busts Massive SIM Card Operation Near NYC, Probes Potential UN Disruption
New York City – The U.S. Secret Service announced Tuesday the dismantling of a sprawling network of SIM card devices capable of disrupting cellular communications across New York City. The operation, uncovered at five locations within a 35-mile radius of the city, yielded over 300 SIM servers, 100,000 SIM cards, illegal firearms, cocaine, and various computer equipment.
Matt McCool, Special Agent in Charge of the Secret Service’s New York Field Office, stated the network facilitated anonymous, encrypted communications, potentially allowing criminal organizations to operate undetected and posing a significant threat to cellular service. The investigation is exploring whether the network was intended to disrupt the ongoing United Nations General Assembly.
While authorities are working to identify those responsible and determine their motives, two officials, speaking under anonymity, confirmed there was no specific plot to shut down the city’s cellular network and no arrests have been made yet. They acknowledged the existence of similar “SIM farms” nationwide, often used for anonymous calls, cheap international calls, marketing, and unfortunately, by criminal groups for spam calls.
The discovery comes after a surge in telecommunications-related threats against senior U.S. government officials earlier this year, prompting the Secret Service to launch a protective intelligence investigation. The agency declined to identify the officials targeted.
McCool assured the public that the dismantled devices no longer pose a threat to the New York tristate area. The investigation continues, with agents meticulously examining the seized SIM cards to uncover those behind the operation.
Authorities are specifically looking into whether the network could have been used to disrupt communications for emergency services and government personnel during the UN General Assembly. One official warned that such networks could be used for “denial of service” attacks, potentially blocking emergency responders during critical incidents.