Report : Manmeen Walia, New Delhi
The Central District Police against cyber-enabled telecom crimes has successfully dismantled a large-scale illegal mobile phone manufacturing and IMEI-tampering unit operating from Karol Bagh. The action was taken by PS Karol Bagh as part of Operation “CyberHawk”—a special drive targeting illegal telecom activities in the district.
During this high-intensity operation, the police arrested five accused and recovered 1826 mobile phones, including keypad and smartphones, along with a laptop used for changing IMEI numbers, IMEI-writing software, scanners, thousands of mobile body parts, and fake IMEI labels.
For the past 15 days, PS Karol Bagh had been actively working on specific intelligence inputs about a secret manufacturing unit running inside a building in Gali No. 22, Beedanpura, Karol Bagh. The information suggested that the racket was:
• Using old and damaged motherboards
• Fitting them into brand-new mobile bodies
• Changing IMEI numbers using specialized software
• Selling these illegally assembled phones in the market
This illegal activity not only causes huge financial loss but also poses serious security risksbecause tampered IMEI numbers make devices untraceable for law enforcement.
A special raiding team was constituted under the supervision of Karuna Sagar, SHO Karol Bagh and the overall supervision of Ashish Kumar, ACP Karol Bagh.
The team included:
SI Bhupender Singh, HC Deepak, HC Manoj, HC Manjeet, HC Narender, Ct. Kamaljeet, Ct. Kaushal and Ct. Sunil.
They moved swiftly on the intelligence and conducted a raid on 20.11.2025 at Aditya Electronics & Accessories, located on the 4th floor of a building in Beedanpura.
During the raid, the team found five men actively assembling mobile phones and altering IMEI numbers using:
• A laptop
• IMEI-writing software “WRITEIMEI 2.0”
• IMEI scanner
• Thousands of body parts and labels
All five were caught red-handed and immediately apprehended.
During interrogation, the accused revealed:
• They purchased old/used mobile phones from scrap dealers
• New phone bodies were sourced from China
• IMEI numbers were altered using WRITEIMEI 0.2.2 software
• The re-assembled phones were sold in the local market
• The racket had been operating secretly for two years
A case under relevant sections of the BNS, IT Act, and Telecom Act was registered at PS Karol Bagh.
ACCUSED ARRESTED
1. Ashok Kumar (45) — Owner, R/o Kakrola
2. Ramnarayan (36) — R/o Tilak Nagar
3. Dharmender Kumar (35) — R/o Moti Nagar
4. Deepanshu (25) — R/o Mandawali
5. Deepak (19) — R/o Old Mahaveer Nagar
ITEMS RECOVERED
• 1826 mobile phones (keypad & smartphones)
• Laptop used for IMEI modification
• IMEI-writing software
• IMEI scanner
• Thousands of mobile body parts
• Fake IMEI labels
• Full tool-kit for phone assembling
The police are further investigating:
• The supply chain of motherboards
• Sources in China supplying phone bodies
• The distribution network of these illegal devices
• Buyers and receivers connected to this racket
A big appreciation to the SHO Karol Bagh and his dedicated team for their swift and intelligent action during Operation “CyberHawk”. Their hard work, sharp vigilance, and continuous efforts over the last 15 days led to the successful busting of a major illegal mobile manufacturing and IMEI-tampering unit.
Special appreciation to the ACP Karol Bagh for providing strong leadership, guidance, and supervision throughout the operation. The coordinated planning and timely execution under his command played a crucial role in this major breakthrough.
A heartfelt commendation to the Delhi Police Central District, led by the dynamic leadership of Nidhin Valsan, DCP Central, for consistently showing commitment towards public safety, cyber-crime prevention, and maintaining technological security.
Their proactive approach, dedication, and teamwork have once again ensured that criminal activities related to mobile networks and cyber-enabled crime are dealt with firmly and professionally.
