New York, September 24, 2025 — The United States Secret Service has announced the successful dismantling of a sophisticated criminal network that posed a significant cyber and telecommunications threat during the ongoing United Nations General Assembly (UNGA). The operation, which was carried out quietly over several weeks, prevented a potentially crippling disruption at a time when dozens of heads of state and government, including Kenya’s President William Ruto, were gathered in New York.
In a detailed statement released on Tuesday, the agency revealed that a protective intelligence investigation uncovered a sprawling infrastructure of more than 300 co-located SIM servers and over 100,000 SIM cards spread across the New York tristate area. Investigators believe the equipment was configured to enable large-scale cyber intrusions, fraudulent communications, and possible disruptions to mobile networks used by security agencies protecting visiting dignitaries.
“The dismantling of this network removed a serious and imminent risk to communications security during the UN General Assembly,” the Secret Service said, describing the discovery as one of the most significant cyber-related interdictions in recent years.
Sophisticated Setup Raises Alarms
According to preliminary findings, the criminal operation relied on clusters of high-capacity SIM servers—devices capable of routing calls and messages across thousands of mobile numbers simultaneously. Such technology is often used by organized cybercrime groups to run massive phishing campaigns, bypass network controls, or flood communication systems.
Security analysts warn that, if activated, the network could have been used to overwhelm mobile carriers, disrupt emergency coordination, or intercept sensitive exchanges between security teams tasked with protecting leaders attending the UN summit. While officials declined to identify the group behind the plot, they described it as “internationally connected” and “highly organized,” suggesting links to global cyber-crime syndicates.
Global Leaders Targeted
The UNGA draws representatives from nearly every member state, making it one of the most high-profile annual diplomatic gatherings in the world. This year’s session is attended by U.S. President Joe Biden, President William Ruto of Kenya, and dozens of other presidents, prime ministers, and monarchs. The prospect of a large-scale disruption to telecommunications in New York raised fears of cascading effects on security, transportation, and emergency services.
Law enforcement sources say the Secret Service worked closely with the Department of Homeland Security, the Federal Bureau of Investigation, and local New York authorities to track down the servers. International intelligence partners were also consulted to trace the origin of the SIM cards and identify potential overseas financiers.
Investigation Still Underway
Although the Secret Service has not announced arrests, officials confirmed that several individuals of interest are under active investigation. Forensic analysis of the seized equipment is ongoing, with cybersecurity experts examining data logs and communication patterns to determine whether sensitive information was compromised before the network was dismantled.
The agency emphasized that the discovery underscores the evolving nature of modern threats, where cyber infrastructure can be weaponized to create physical risks for world leaders. “This incident highlights the need for constant vigilance and rapid intelligence sharing,” the statement read, adding that similar attacks could target other high-profile global events in the future.
Heightened Security at UNGA
Security around the UNGA remains tight, with multiple layers of protection including road closures, armed patrols, aerial surveillance, and enhanced cyber defenses. U.S. authorities assured delegates and the public that all critical communication channels remain secure and that contingency measures are in place should further attempts emerge.
For now, the Secret Service credits swift coordination and advanced cyber-forensics for neutralizing a network that could have caused widespread disruption during one of the world’s most important diplomatic gatherings. As the UNGA continues through the week, officials maintain that investigations will continue both in the United States and abroad to ensure the network is permanently dismantled and any remaining perpetrators brought to justice.
