Particle.news
Download on the App Store

Investigators Uncover 200,000 More SIM Cards in N.J., Expanding New York Telecom Threat Probe

Investigators are analyzing roughly 300,000 seized SIM cards to identify who ran the network.

Overview

  • Homeland Security Investigations found an additional 200,000 SIM cards in New Jersey, lifting the total seized across the tri-state probe to roughly 300,000 plus hundreds of servers.
  • The Secret Service dismantled SIM-server sites in and around New York that officials say could send up to 30 million texts per minute and potentially disrupt cell towers and 911 service.
  • Authorities say the operation is China-linked, and early forensics indicate the network facilitated communications involving foreign governments and known organized crime groups.
  • Investigators say many devices had not yet been activated, suggesting plans to expand the system’s capacity beyond the already vast infrastructure recovered.
  • No arrests have been announced, and agents are combing data on each SIM as part of a continuing effort to trace renters, operators and potential connected networks.