NEW YORK (FluxDaily) — As nearly 150 world leaders prepared to gather in Manhattan for the UN General Assembly, the U.S. Secret Service successfully dismantled a concealed telecommunications network that could have severely disrupted cellular transmission in New York City. The system, consisting of over 300 SIM servers packed with more than 100,000 active and deployable SIM cards, was situated within 35 miles of the United Nations, marking one of the largest communication threats uncovered domestically.
Investigators warn that this scheme, if operational, could have led to widespread cellular service blackouts, preventing critical communication during an event when the city was at heightened risk. The initiative is indicative of a new category of threats that target the essential infrastructure supporting urban connectivity.
A Broader Investigation Uncovers This Scheme
The telecom network was discovered during a comprehensive investigation into potential threats against high-profile government officials. This network was described by officials as a sophisticated operation capable of overwhelming local networks with mass automated calls and texts while masking illegal communications. It cannot be understated what this system is capable of doing, stated Matt McCool, the special agent overseeing the investigation.
Although no direct plans to disrupt the UN General Assembly were identified, agents indicated that nation-state actors may have employed this network to communicate with organized crime syndicates and terrorist organizations. McCool emphasized the importance of the ongoing forensic analysis as agents work to decipher the implications of 100,000 intercepted communications.
“This operation cost millions in technology and reflected a highly organized, well-funded criminal enterprise,” remarked McCool, who noted that the network could potentially dispatch up to 30 million text messages per minute. Such capabilities could have mirrored the devastating communication breakdowns experienced during pivotal events like the Boston Marathon bombing and 9/11 attacks.
The Secret Service remains vigilant, reinforcing its commitment to preemptively address any threats to public safety as the investigation continues into this alarming network.