HSI Operation Targets Criminal Networks Behind Fake Calls and Text Scams
Homeland Security Investigations (HSI) disrupted a network of illegal SIM box operations used by transnational criminal organizations to launch scam calls, phishing campaigns, and telecommunications fraud targeting Americans.
The coordinated law enforcement effort, dubbed Operation Signal Break, targeted illegal SIM box operations run by transnational criminal organizations. HSI described SIM boxes as the “critical command-and-control infrastructure used to perpetrate large-scale telecommunications fraud.”
SIM boxes house hundreds or thousands of cellphone SIM cards, which criminals use to route massive volumes of calls and text messages over the internet with a disguised origin, allowing them to conduct scam calls, phishing, and other fraud. According to the Federal Trade Commission, such criminal operations cost Americans about $15 million a year.
More than 11 HSI Offices Involved
Operation Signal Break involved more than 11 HSI field offices, and targeted high-risk areas for telecom fraud such as California, Florida, Texas, Massachusetts, New York, and New Jersey.
"I commend our special agents for their outstanding dedication and teamwork in dismantling illicit telecommunications infrastructure,” said HSI acting Executive Associate Director John Condon.
The effort was led by the Department of Homeland Security Cyber Crimes Center, with significant assistance from HSI Los Angeles. It used mobilized “SIM Box Surge Teams” composed of special agents, criminal analysts, and computer forensics analysis.
Data Analysis Could Support Seizures, Charges
HSI Los Angeles will work with the Counter Threat Finance Unit and the Cross Border Financial Crimes Center to “analyze the seized SIM data and network artifacts to identify victims, quantify fraud losses, and trace illicit proceeds to Chinese transnational criminal organizations and their distribution networks.” The analysis is expected to support additional charges, sanctions, and asset seizures.
In addition to HSI Los Angeles, HSI Miami, HSI Tampa, HSI New England, HSI Houston, and additional offices participated.
HSI did not release exact details from Operation Signal Break. However, it noted that since 2024, HSI has seized over 500,000 SIM cards, over 1,900 SIM boxes, and more than $700,000 in illegal proceeds.
