NYC Cell Network Shutdown Plot Foiled

The Secret Service recently dismantled a network of electronic devices in New York City capable of disabling the city's cellphone network. This sophisticated system, discovered across five locations within 35 miles of the city, contained over 300 co-located SIM servers and 100,000 SIM cards.

<img src="https://media-cldnry.s-nbcnews.com/image/upload/t_fit-760w,f_auto,q_auto:best/rockcms/2025-09/250923-secret-service-mb-1337-d9ca13.jpg" alt="Matt McCool">

A Threat to NYC's Communications

According to Matt McCool, head of the Secret Service New York field office, this system facilitated anonymous, encrypted communications for criminal activities, including potential threats to senior US officials. The network had the alarming potential to not only shut down cell service but also disrupt police and EMS communications during the UN General Assembly.

<img src="https://media-cldnry.s-nbcnews.com/image/upload/t_fit-760w,f_auto,q_auto:best/rockcms/2025-09/250923-secret-service-mn-1542-ccb0bd.jpg" alt="Signal devices seized by the Secret Service">

Investigation Ongoing

While no arrests have been made yet, the Secret Service is actively investigating the network's creators and their motives, exploring whether their goal was to disrupt the UN General Assembly or target essential communication lines. The investigation involves analyzing the vast amount of data collected from the seized SIM cards.

The Secret Service emphasized that the threat has been neutralized, but the scale of this operation highlights the potential for serious disruption to the city's infrastructure and emergency services.