Breaking: Secret Service Dismantles Network Capable of Crippling NYC Cell Service, Foiling Potential UNGA Disruption
Breaking: Secret Service Dismantles Network Capable of Crippling NYC Cell Service, Foiling Potential UNGA Disruption
U.S. Secret Service agents have successfully dismantled a sophisticated network of electronic devices across multiple New York City locations, a system with the alarming potential to disable the city’s entire cellphone network. Officials confirmed the breakthrough on Tuesday, revealing the operation also uncovered tools used for anonymous assassination threats against senior U.S. officials and various criminal enterprises.
The extensive operation, conducted within 35 miles of New York, led to the discovery of over 300 co-located SIM servers and 100,000 SIM cards at five separate sites. Beyond the communications threat, agents also seized illegal firearms, computers, cellphones, and 80 grams of cocaine, indicating a broader criminal network.
Matt McCool, head of the Secret Service New York Field Office, stated Tuesday morning that “These devices allowed anonymous, encrypted communications between potential threat actors and criminal enterprises, enabling criminal organizations to operate undetected.” He emphasized the grave danger: “This network had the potential to disable cellphone towers and essentially shut down the cellular network in New York City.”
A critical aspect of the ongoing investigation is whether the network was intended to disrupt the United Nations General Assembly, currently underway in New York. McCool confirmed, “We will continue working towards identifying those responsible and their intent, including whether their plan was to disrupt the U.N. General Assembly and communications of government and emergency personnel during the official visit of world leaders in and around New York City.”
An anonymous official further highlighted the network’s capacity to cripple emergency services, explaining it could enable “denial of service” attacks, effectively blocking EMS or police from responding. The ability for anonymous, encrypted communication also posed a significant challenge to law enforcement.
The Secret Service initiated their protective intelligence investigation earlier this year after a surge in telecommunications-related threats targeting U.S. government officials. While the immediate threat has been neutralized, agents are meticulously analyzing the seized SIM cards to identify the creators and their full intentions. “These recovered devices no longer pose a threat to the New York tristate area,” McCool assured, as the hunt for those responsible continues.
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