Secret Service Dismantles Massive Telecommunications Threat Network in New York

Major Telecommunications Threat Neutralized in New York

The U.S. Secret Service announced on September 23, 2025, the successful dismantling of a vast and sophisticated electronic network operating across the New York tri-state area. This criminal infrastructure, consisting of more than 300 co-located SIM servers and 100,000 SIM cards, represented an imminent threat to telecommunications, with the potential to disrupt critical services and facilitate illicit activities. The operation was conducted by the Secret Service's Advanced Threat Interdiction Unit, a specialized team dedicated to addressing significant and immediate threats.

Capabilities of the Criminal Network

The uncovered network possessed alarming capabilities, posing multiple threats to national security and public safety. According to Secret Service officials, the system was capable of:

• Disabling cellular phone towers, potentially 'shutting down the cellular network in New York City'.
• Enabling large-scale denial-of-service (DoS) attacks, which could overwhelm communication systems and interfere with emergency responses.
• Facilitating anonymous and encrypted communication for 'potential threat actors and criminal enterprises,' including drug cartels and human trafficking groups.
• Sending up to 30 million anonymous text messages per minute.

The network was also used to conduct 'telecommunications-related threats' against senior U.S. government officials, including 'swatting threats' targeting lawmakers such as Senator Rick Scott and Representative Marjorie Taylor Greene.

Operational Context and Discoveries

The Secret Service's investigation led to the discovery of these devices in various locations, including vacant apartments, within a 35-mile radius of the United Nations General Assembly (UNGA) in New York City. The UNGA, which draws numerous world leaders and high-level officials, was underway from September 9 to 29, 2025, underscoring the critical timing of the takedown. Special Agent in Charge Matt McCool of the Secret Service's New York Field Office emphasized the network's potential for catastrophic disruption, especially if coupled with other events. Beyond the telecommunications equipment, investigators also found other illicit items at the sites, including 80 grams of cocaine, illegal firearms, computers, and phones, highlighting the broader criminal context of the operation.

Ongoing Investigation and Suspected Actors

While no arrests have been announced, early forensic analysis of the seized devices indicates communications between 'nation-state threat actors' and 'individuals that are known to federal law enforcement.' This suggests a complex operation potentially backed by foreign governments and involving organized crime. The investigation, which is still in its early stages, involves extensive forensic examination of the 100,000 SIM cards to trace communications and identify all involved parties. U.S. Secret Service Director Sean Curran reiterated the agency's commitment to prevention, stating that 'imminent threats to our protectees will be immediately investigated, tracked down and dismantled.'