Secret Service Dismantles Vast Telecom Network Near UN, Foiling Potential Assassination Threats

The U.S. Secret Service has successfully dismantled a sophisticated telecommunications network operating across the New York tristate area, uncovering over 300 SIM servers and 100,000 SIM cards. This operation, conducted in proximity to the United Nations General Assembly, aimed to disrupt imminent threats against senior U.S. government officials and posed a significant risk to national security.

Key Takeaways

• A large-scale telecommunications network was dismantled by the U.S. Secret Service in the New York tristate area.

• The network included over 300 SIM servers and 100,000 SIM cards.

• The operation was linked to anonymous telephonic threats, including potential assassination threats against U.S. officials.

• The devices could have been used for widespread telecommunications attacks, including disabling cell towers and facilitating encrypted communications.

• Early analysis suggests connections between nation-state threat actors and individuals known to federal law enforcement.

Operation Details

The Secret Service's Advanced Threat Interdiction Unit led the investigation, which uncovered the extensive network of electronic devices. These devices were strategically located within a 35-mile radius of the United Nations headquarters in New York City, coinciding with the global meeting of world leaders. The operation was initiated following multiple telecommunications-related threats directed at senior U.S. government officials earlier in the year.

Capabilities and Threats

Beyond making anonymous phone calls, the dismantled network possessed the capability to conduct a wide array of telecommunications attacks. This included disabling cell phone towers, executing denial-of-service attacks, and enabling anonymous, encrypted communication for threat actors and criminal enterprises. Officials noted the potential for catastrophic disruption to New York's telecommunications infrastructure, including emergency services.

Potential Suspects and Findings

Initial forensic examinations of the seized devices indicate cellular communications between nation-state threat actors and individuals already known to federal law enforcement. While specific nations or individuals were not identified, experts suggest the scale of the operation points towards sophisticated, state-sponsored activity, possibly for espionage or surveillance. In some discovered locations, agents also found illegal firearms, computers, cellphones, and narcotics.

Ongoing Investigation

While the Secret Service confirmed the network has been disrupted and no longer poses a threat, the investigation is ongoing. Authorities are working to identify all responsible parties and their precise intentions, including any direct plots against the UN General Assembly. The operation involved collaboration with various federal agencies, including the Department of Homeland Security's Homeland Security Investigations, the Department of Justice, and the Office of the Director of National Intelligence, as well as the NYPD and other local law enforcement partners.

U.S. Secret Service Dismantles Imminent Telecommunications Threat in New York Tristate Area

• U.S. Secret Service dismantles imminent telecommunications threat in New York tristate area, United States Secret Service (.gov).

• U.S. Secret Service Seizes 300 SIM Servers, 100K Cards Threatening U.S. Officials Near UN, The Hacker News.

• Secret Service agents dismantle network that could shut down New York cellphone system, NBC News.

• Cache of Devices Capable of Crashing Cell Network Is Found Near U.N., The New York Times.

• Secret Service foils plot to cripple NYC cell network, threaten UN General Assembly, New York Post.