U.S. Secret Service agents have taken down a hidden electronic network in and around New York City that officials believe could have disabled cellphone service and blocked emergency communications across the area.
The discovery was made at five different sites within 35 miles of New York, where agents seized over 300 SIM servers and nearly 100,000 SIM cards. Alongside the devices, they also recovered illegal firearms, cocaine, computers, and mobile phones.
Authorities say the network could have been used to disrupt cellular towers, making it difficult for emergency services like EMS and police to communicate in urgent situations. Officials stressed that the system had the ability to cause large-scale communication failures, potentially leaving millions without service.
Investigators also raised concerns that the devices might have been linked to threats against senior U.S. officials and efforts to interfere with the United Nations General Assembly currently taking place in New York. Matt McCool, who heads the Secret Service’s New York Field Office, said the network allowed anonymous and encrypted communication between criminal groups and possible threat actors. He explained that the equipment could have shut down parts of New York’s cellular network if activated.
Officials further revealed that the devices were previously used to send assassination threats against senior officials earlier this year. The Secret Service launched its investigation after noticing a rise in threats connected to telecommunication systems.
Authorities are now going through the seized SIM cards to track calls, texts, and other data in order to uncover who was behind the network. One official explained that these devices could have even blocked police or ambulances from responding to emergencies.
While the equipment has been secured and no longer poses a danger to New York residents, investigators continue to search for those responsible and their possible intentions. McCool reassured the public that the immediate threat is over but emphasized that the investigation is still active.
