Secret Service Disrupts Telecom Threat Near UN General Assembly
The U.S. Secret Service has dismantled a major telecommunications threat that could have crippled cellular networks during the United Nations General Assembly in New York City.
Officials revealed on Tuesday that investigators uncovered more than 300 SIM servers and 100,000 SIM cards spread across abandoned apartment buildings in New York, New Jersey, and Connecticut. The network, they said, had the ability to disable cell towers, disrupt emergency communications, and even text the entire U.S. population within minutes.
“This operation had the power to shut down New York City’s cellular network,” said Special Agent in Charge Matt McCool, describing the scheme as well-funded and tied to nation-state actors, organized crime groups, cartels, and terrorist organizations.
Authorities believe the equipment was being used to send encrypted messages to criminal networks. They also discovered illegal firearms, computers, phones, and 80 grams of cocaine during raids at more than five sites.
The investigation began after anonymous “telephonic threats” were directed at three U.S. government officials earlier this year, including one from the Secret Service and two from the White House.
The disruption comes as over 100 world leaders and delegations gather in Manhattan for the UN’s 80th anniversary General Assembly.