Federal agents have seized a massive telecommunications network in the New York area capable of disrupting cellular service across the region, exposing what officials call a direct threat to critical infrastructure.
The US Secret Service dismantled more than 300 servers controlling over 100,000 SIM cards at multiple locations in late September, with agents later discovering an additional 200,000 cards in New Jersey. Officials described the operation as extensively resourced and sophisticated, possibly linked to nation-state actors.
“This network had the potential to disable cell phone towers and essentially shut down the cellular network in New York City,” said Matt McCool, special agent in charge of the Secret Service’s New York field office.
The seizures occurred as world leaders gathered for the United Nations General Assembly in New York City. Agents found all sites within 35 miles of the UN headquarters.
Investigators say the network could send 30 million text messages per minute, overwhelm cell towers, and facilitate encrypted communications between potential threat actors and criminal organizations. The system could also disrupt emergency services, including 911 calls and communications between first responders.
The investigation began after attackers targeted senior US government officials with telecommunications-based threats this spring. Officials declined to name the targeted individuals.
While the Secret Service has not publicly identified which nation may be behind the operation, multiple law enforcement sources told major news outlets the network has connections to Chinese actors. The Blaze reported that intelligence sources attribute the operation to China’s Ministry of State Security and suggest similar networks may exist nationwide, though these claims have not been officially confirmed.
Authorities have made no arrests. Homeland Security Investigations is leading the criminal probe while the Secret Service continues its protective intelligence investigation.
“It would be unwise to assume” similar networks don’t exist elsewhere in the United States, one official told CBS News.
Investigators are conducting a forensic analysis on the seized equipment. Officials say early findings indicate communications between foreign governments and individuals that US law enforcement already tracks.
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