‘Criminals thrive on SIMs obtained using fake docs’

Service providers should be alert: DGP

Goa Director General of Police Muktesh Chander said on Friday that cases of foreigners involved in drug-trade and financial fraud in the State using SIM cards obtained through forged photos and documents was on the rise.

Forgery on the rise

Mr. Chander was speaking to presspersons after a meeting with officials of telecom companies. He said, “In 15 cases registered in 2016-17, criminals obtained SIM cards by submitting forged photos and documents. In many cases, foreigners were using the SIM cards to commit crime and financial fraud.”

Mr. Chander later told

The Hindu that he has asked telecom service providers to sensitise all their dealers and sub-dealers to the use of fake documents to indulge in crime and drug trade .

‘A serious threat’

He said, “I asked them to strictly enforce Know Your Customer and verification norms. Today dubious elements are using fake documents to obtain connections and misuse them for criminal and drug-related activities. Tomorrow, they may use them to further terrorist activities. It is time they take this threat very seriously and do away with such harmful dealers and sub-dealers.”