Last Updated:
The agency said the equipment, found within a 35-mile radius of the UN headquarters, was capable of carrying out various telecommunications attacks
Photos shared by the agency on X showed numerous SIM cards wired into complex telecommunication hardware. (Image via X/@SecretService)
The United States Secret Service has dismantled a large-scale telecom threat ahead of the United Nations General Assembly in New York, seizing more than 100,000 SIM cards and over 300 SIM servers that officials say had the potential to crash the city’s cellular network.
In a statement released on Tuesday, the agency said the equipment, found within a 35-mile (56-kilometre) radius of the UN headquarters, was capable of carrying out various telecommunications attacks — including disabling cell towers, enabling denial-of-service (DoS) attacks, and facilitating anonymous and encrypted communications.
Recommended Stories
The seized devices, described as “SIM servers,” were linked to a broader network believed to be operated by or connected to “nation-state” actors.
The Secret Service confirmed that the disruption came ahead of the arrival of global leaders for the annual UN summit and was intended to neutralise a threat to public safety and national security.
Photos shared by the agency on X showed numerous SIM cards wired into complex telecommunication hardware.
The Secret Service dismantled a network of more than 300 SIM servers and 100,000 SIM cards in the New York-area that were capable of crippling telecom systems and carrying out anonymous telephonic attacks, disrupting the threat before world leaders arrived for the UN General… pic.twitter.com/sZKUeGqvGY— U.S. Secret Service (@SecretService) September 23, 2025
The Secret Service revealed that these devices could have enabled anonymous telephonic threats and posed a serious risk to critical infrastructure.
“In addition to carrying out anonymous telephonic threats, these devices could be used to conduct a wide range of telecommunications attacks. This includes disabling cell phone towers, enabling denial of services attacks and facilitating anonymous, encrypted communication between potential threat actors and criminal enterprises,” the agency said.
The Secret Service acted swiftly given the “timing, location, and potential for significant disruption” ahead of the UN General Assembly, which began on Tuesday. US President Donald Trump was scheduled to speak at the summit on its opening day.
The operation was led by the Secret Service’s newly formed Advanced Threat Interdiction Unit, which focuses on identifying and dismantling imminent threats to high-level protectees.
While the investigation is ongoing, early forensic analysis reportedly points to communications between suspected nation-state threat actors and individuals already known to federal law enforcement agencies.
The agency has not yet revealed the specific countries or groups suspected to be behind the network.
(With inputs from agencies)
About the Author
The News Desk is a team of passionate editors and writers who break and analyse the most important events unfolding in India and abroad. From live updates to exclusive reports to in-depth explainers, the Desk d…Read More
The News Desk is a team of passionate editors and writers who break and analyse the most important events unfolding in India and abroad. From live updates to exclusive reports to in-depth explainers, the Desk d… Read More
New York, United States of America (USA)
September 23, 2025, 19:18 IST
Loading comments…
Read More
 "After Trump’s Bagram threat, Taliban ‘fully prepare for war’ with an ‘enemy’ warning to Pakistan: Report")
