AI-Based Telecom Monitoring Targets Fraudulent SIMs, Fake Identities, and Cybercrime Networks
In a significant move to combat cybercrime and financial fraud, the Government of India has disconnected more than 61 lakh suspected mobile connections as of July 15, 2026. The action follows 11.18 lakh reports of suspected fraudulent communications submitted by citizens through the Sanchar Saathi portal.
Additionally, the government has disconnected over 88 lakh mobile connections that failed re-verification after being identified through Artificial Intelligence (AI) and big data analytics.
The initiative is part of the Department of Telecommunications' (DoT) broader strategy to curb the misuse of telecom resources in digital fraud. As cyber-enabled financial crimes continue to evolve, strong digital governance, forensic investigations, and auditing services in india remain essential in safeguarding the country's financial ecosystem.
AI Tool Identifies Suspicious Mobile Connections
In a written reply in the Rajya Sabha, Minister of State for Communications Dr. Chandra Sekhar Pemmasani said the DoT has developed ASTR (Artificial Intelligence and Big Data Analytics Tool) to identify suspicious mobile connections.
According to the minister, the AI-powered platform analyses telecom data to detect fake, fraudulent, or non-compliant SIM cards frequently used in cyber fraud.
By July 15, 2026, more than 88 lakh mobile connections that failed the re-verification process had been disconnected through ASTR.
Citizen Reports Drive Action
The government stated that over 61 lakh suspected mobile connections were disconnected based on complaints received through the Sanchar Saathi portal.
Officials believe that fraudulent mobile numbers often facilitate:
- Online financial fraud
- Digital arrest scams
- Fake call centre operations
- Identity theft
- Other cyber-enabled offences
Digital Intelligence Platform Strengthens Coordination
The Department of Telecommunications has also established the Digital Intelligence Platform (DIP) to enable two-way information sharing among government agencies and stakeholders.
The platform includes collaboration with the Indian Cyber Crime Coordination Centre (I4C) under the Ministry of Home Affairs and is intended to improve the early detection and prevention of telecom misuse linked to cybercrime.
SEBI-Regulated Entities Join Platform
The government informed Parliament that the Securities and Exchange Board of India (SEBI) has advised regulated entities to onboard the Digital Intelligence Platform.
According to the ministry:
- More than 50 SEBI-regulated entities have already joined the platform.
- The DoT has conducted multiple awareness and training sessions to facilitate participation.
The objective is to enable faster intelligence sharing regarding suspicious financial activities.
Rapid Expansion of 5G Network
The government also highlighted the continued expansion of India's telecom infrastructure.
As of June 30, 2026:
- 5G services have reached 99.9% of India's districts.
- The number of 5G Base Transceiver Stations (BTS) increased from 140,623 (March 2023) to 562,971.
Telecom Innovation Receives ₹543 Crore Support
Under the Telecom Technology Development Fund (TTDF):
- 136 research projects have been approved.
- Nearly ₹543 crore has been sanctioned.
The projects focus on technologies including:
- 6G
- Quantum communication
- Satellite and non-terrestrial networks
- Optical communication systems
- Indigenous 5G core technology
- Telecom security
BharatNet Expansion Continues
The government also updated Parliament on the BharatNet programme.
According to the latest figures:
- 214,912 Gram Panchayats have been connected under BharatNet Phase I and II.
- 13,494 Gram Panchayats have been upgraded under the Amended BharatNet Programme (ABP) by June 2026.
Expert Highlights Importance of AI Against Cybercrime
Former IPS officer and cybercrime expert Prof. Triveni Singh said organised cybercriminals frequently rely on fake SIM cards, fraudulent digital identities, and illegal telecom resources to conduct financial scams.
He noted that AI-based monitoring systems combined with real-time information sharing among government agencies can significantly improve India's ability to detect and disrupt organised cybercrime networks.