US Secret Service Foils Potential Telecom Sabotage Network Ahead of UN General Assembly
The United States Secret Service has revealed it dismantled a vast network of over 100,000 SIM cards that could have wreaked havoc on New York’s telecommunications system, just as world leaders gather for the UN General Assembly. In a statement on Tuesday, 23 September 2025, the agency linked the setup to “nation-state” actors, noting its potential for anonymous threats, denial-of-service attacks, and encrypted chats among criminals. The devices, hidden in spots around the city, posed a real risk of blacking out cell towers and disrupting services during the high-stakes event. With US President Donald Trump set to speak on the first day, the bust underscores ramped-up security amid global tensions.
This operation highlights growing fears of cyber and telecom sabotage tied to foreign powers, especially as the UNGA draws heads of state from across the world. In South Africa, where Heritage Day celebrations on 24 September stress unity and resilience, the news serves as a reminder of how international gatherings can attract shadowy threats, echoing our own history of safeguarding democracy against interference.
Massive Seizure in New York Tri-State Area
Agents uncovered more than 300 SIM servers and 100,000 SIM cards spread across five sites in the New York tri-state area, all within a 35-mile (56 km) radius of the UN headquarters. The network was capable of broad telecom attacks, including crippling cell towers and enabling anonymous, encrypted communication. “In addition to carrying out anonymous telephonic threats, these devices could be used to conduct a wide range of telecommunications attacks,” the Secret Service stated.
The setup was found last month, but details emerged as the UNGA kicked off its high-level debate on Tuesday. Images released by the agency show piles of SIM cards hooked to equipment, hidden to avoid detection. Officials acted fast due to the timing and location, averting what could have been a major disruption.
Early forensic checks point to links between nation-state actors and individuals known to federal law enforcement. While no direct plot against the UNGA was uncovered, the potential for chaos during the summit prompted swift moves.
No Credible Threats to UNGA, But Vigilance High
The agency stressed there are no known credible threats to the UN General Assembly, which draws leaders like Trump for talks on global issues. Still, the discovery ramps up security worries, as the setup could have blacked out New York’s cell networks at a critical time.
Trump is slated to address the assembly on day one, amid his administration’s focus on foreign policy and threats from abroad. The UNGA, running through 30 September, covers topics from climate to conflicts, making it a prime target for disruptions.
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