On Tuesday, September 23rd, the U.S. Secret Service dismantled a sprawling telecommunications network in the New York tri-state area that officials say could have disrupted the city’s cellphone system and affected the United Nations General Assembly.
Officials discovered more than 300 SIM servers and over 100,000 SIM cards across five abandoned sites within 35 miles of Manhattan. The network could send millions of text messages per minute, disrupt cell towers, and interfere with emergency communications, including police and EMS services.Â
The network allowed encrypted, anonymous communication and was linked to organized crime groups, drug cartels, human trafficking rings, and foreign governments. Officials also recovered illegal firearms, computers, cellphones, and cocaine at the sites. The investigation began earlier this year after threats targeted senior U.S. officials under Secret Service protection.
Officials are currently reviewing all data stored on the SIM cards, which contain the equivalent of cell phone information, including calls, texts, and searches. While no arrests have been made, authorities warned that those responsible will face consequences as the investigation continues.
