CBI Takes Over Probe into Bihar’s Illegal VoIP Exchange, Cybercrime Links Suspected
SIM Box Operation Converted International Calls into Local Numbers
Large-Scale Cybercrime and Security Risks Under Scanner
By Our Legal Reporter
New Delhi: January 17, 2026:
In a major crackdown on cybercrime, the Central Bureau of Investigation (CBI) has officially taken over the investigation into an illegal Voice over Internet Protocol (VoIP) exchange discovered in Narayanpur village, Bhojpur district, Bihar. The exchange, unearthed by the Bihar Police in July 2025, was allegedly converting international calls into local calls using a sophisticated SIM box setup, enabling fraudsters to bypass telecom networks and commit large-scale cybercrimes.
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The case, initially registered by the Bihar Police, has now been re-registered by the CBI following a central government notification. Investigators believe the illegal operation may have links to financial fraud networks and possible terror-related activities, making it a matter of national security.
SIM Box Operation Converted International Calls Into Local Numbers
According to officials, the illegal exchange was masterminded by Mukesh Kumar, who operated the setup in Narayanpur.
- The system used SIM boxes and multiple SIM cards to convert international VoIP calls into local calls.
- This allowed fraudsters to evade telecom tariffs and monitoring systems, causing huge losses to telecom companies and the government.
- Investigations revealed that 67 suspicious SIM cards were supplied by Point-of-Sale operators in Malda, West Bengal, including Rejaul Haque and Muktadir Hossain.
- The sophisticated setup was first detected by the Digital Intelligence Unit (DIU) of Bihar Police, which flagged unusual call patterns and traced them to the illegal exchange.
Officials explained that such operations are often used to facilitate phishing scams, financial fraud, and even cross-border criminal activities, as they mask the origin of calls and make tracking difficult.
Large-Scale Cybercrime and Security Risks Under Scanner
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The CBI’s takeover signals the seriousness of the case, with investigators suspecting large-scale cybercrime networks may have been using the exchange.
- Illegal VoIP exchanges are known to be exploited by fraudsters posing as bank officials or government representatives, tricking victims into sharing sensitive information.
- They also pose a national security risk, as terror networks can use them to communicate anonymously across borders.
- Telecom experts estimate that such operations cause crores of rupees in losses annually to legitimate service providers.
- The CBI is expected to probe deeper into the financial trails, possible international links, and whether the operation was part of a larger organized cybercrime syndicate.
The case highlights the growing challenge of cyber-enabled fraud in India, where criminals exploit loopholes in telecom infrastructure to target unsuspecting citizens.
Wider Context
Illegal VoIP exchanges are not new in India. Similar cases have been reported in states like Uttar Pradesh, West Bengal, and Maharashtra, often linked to SIM box fraud.
- In 2019, the Department of Telecommunications (DoT) warned against illegal VoIP setups, calling them a serious threat to national security.
- Globally, SIM box fraud has been linked to money laundering and terror financing, prompting stricter monitoring by telecom regulators.
- The Bihar case is one of the largest uncovered in recent years, with investigators suspecting international call routing networks may be involved.
Implications of the Case
- For law enforcement: The case underscores the need for stronger cybercrime monitoring and coordination between state police, CBI, and telecom regulators.
- For telecom companies: Losses due to illegal call routing highlight the importance of investing in fraud detection systems.
- For citizens: Awareness about phone scams and phishing calls is critical to prevent financial losses.
- For national security: The case reinforces the need to treat telecom fraud as a strategic threat, not just a financial crime.
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Conclusion
The CBI’s takeover of the Bihar illegal VoIP exchange case marks a turning point in India’s fight against cyber-enabled fraud. By converting international calls into local ones, the exchange not only caused financial losses but also posed serious risks to national security.
As the investigation unfolds, the case is expected to expose deeper links between cybercrime networks, telecom fraud, and possible terror financing, making it one of the most significant cybercrime probes in recent years.
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