**U.S. Secret Service Dismantles Massive “SIM Farm” Network Near U.N. Headquarters**
*NEW YORK (AP)* — The U.S. Secret Service has uncovered and is quietly dismantling a large-scale network of “SIM farms” across the New York area, just as world leaders gather for meetings at the United Nations.
Matt McCool, special agent in charge of the Secret Service’s New York field office, revealed that agents discovered multiple sites packed with servers and stacks of SIM cards—more than 100,000 of which were already active. Although the investigation is ongoing and no arrests have been made, McCool described the operation as well-funded, highly organized, and possibly run by nation-state actors.
Officials warn of the potential damage the network could have caused if left intact. McCool compared the possible impact to the cellular blackouts experienced after the Sept. 11 attacks and the Boston Marathon bombing, when networks collapsed under strain.
### What Are SIM Farms and What Can They Do?
SIM farms are hardware setups capable of holding numerous SIM cards from various mobile operators. These devices exploit Voice over Internet Protocol (VoIP) technology to send and receive bulk messages or calls.
Originally developed for legitimate uses—like low-cost international calling—the technology has increasingly become a tool for organized fraud targeting large audiences with phishing texts and scam calls.
“Scams have become so sophisticated now. Phishing emails, texts, spoofing caller ID, all of this technology gives scammers that edge,” said Eva Velasquez, president and CEO of the Identity Theft Resource Center.
In this case, the SIM farm devices were concentrated within 35 miles of the U.N. headquarters. Forensic analysts currently believe the system could have been used to send encrypted messages to organized crime groups, cartels, and terrorist organizations.
MobileX, the producer of some of the SIM cards recovered in the raids, has pledged full cooperation with authorities. “Like all wireless providers, we occasionally see bad actors attempt to misuse our services,” CEO Peter Adderton said in a statement.
### The Threat to Telecom Networks
Anthony J. Ferrante, global head of cybersecurity practice at FTI Consulting, described the discovered SIM farm as very sophisticated and capable of various malicious activities.
“This type of magnitude on cellular networks could overwhelm them with millions of calls in just a few minutes, causing shutdowns,” Ferrante explained.
Given its proximity to the United Nations, Ferrante also suggested the system might be used for surveillance purposes. “Potentially, that equipment could intercept communications, eavesdrop, or even clone devices.”
Having served in key security roles at the White House and FBI, Ferrante is awaiting further investigation results but warns that the scale of this operation highlights how simple tools can jeopardize critical infrastructure.
“The masterminds could have set this up long ago and be operating from thousands of miles away,” he said. “It’s a stark reminder of how deeply interconnected our world has become, where local vulnerabilities can be exploited globally.”
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The Secret Service continues its investigation into this unprecedented SIM farm network as officials emphasize the critical need for vigilance against evolving technological threats near key global diplomatic centers.
https://wgntv.com/business/ap-business/ap-how-a-sim-farm-like-the-one-found-near-the-un-threatens-telecom-networks/