Officers from the Cyber Crime Investigation Bureau (CCIB) have successfully shut down a store involved in the sale of illegal mobile phone SIM cards in Nong Khai province. These illicit SIM cards were linked to fraudulent call centers and their operations. Led by CCIB commissioner Pol Lt Gen Worawat Watnakornbancha, the operation took place in Muang district, in accordance with the Technology Crime Prevention and Suppression Act.
Authorities were able to pinpoint the store’s location by monitoring online comments left by purchasers of the illegal SIM cards. The store conducted its operations through a web-based front, falsely claiming to sell registered SIM cards that are ready for immediate use. This deceitful practice garnered numerous positive reviews, which eventually led the police to the store’s whereabouts.
With the information obtained from these reviews, a sting operation was set up, targeting Kitipat Telecom, a physical store identified as part of the larger distribution network for these illegal SIM cards. The authorities successfully lured the store into selling registered SIM cards, leading to its eventual shutdown.
Upon further investigation, it was discovered that the store’s owner, Kitipat Jirasitkarun, 56, had admitted to selling SIM cards registered under the names of other individuals. As a result, he now faces charges for supplying illegal mobile phone numbers. During the course of the operation, officers managed to seize a total of 180 prepared SIM cards intended for distribution, as well as an additional 496 cards that were awaiting future purchase.
This crackdown on illegal SIM card sales is part of a larger ongoing effort by the CCIB to combat the prevalence of criminal call center gangs, as these gangs often utilize registered SIM cards to carry out their illicit activities. By shutting down stores like Kitipat Telecom, the authorities hope to make a significant impact on reducing the occurrence of call center scams and promoting greater security in the telecommunications industry.
In conclusion, the efforts of the CCIB and other law enforcement agencies are crucial in suppressing technology-related crimes, such as the sale of illegal SIM cards and the operations of call center gangs. By staying vigilant and proactive, authorities can both prevent such operations from proliferating and ensure a safer digital environment for the public.
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