The US Secret Service said on Tuesday that agents dismantled a network of devices in the New York area. The devices could disrupt telecom systems and allow anonymous phone attacks. Agents seized over 300 SIM card servers and 100,000 SIM cards at multiple locations within a 35-mile radius of the city.

The Secret Service dismantled a network of more than 300 SIM servers and 100,000 SIM cards in the New York-area that were capable of crippling telecom systems and carrying out anonymous telephonic attacks, disrupting the threat before world leaders arrived for the UN General… pic.twitter.com/sZKUeGqvGY

— U.S. Secret Service (@SecretService) September 23, 2025

Timing Raises Alarm

Meanwhile, world leaders are arriving in New York for the UN General Assembly. The Secret Service warned that the devices could disable cell towers, launch denial-of-service attacks, and let criminals communicate in secret.

Links to Threat Actors

Furthermore, the agency stated, “Early analysis shows cellular communication between nation-state threat actors and individuals known to federal law enforcement.”

Director Issues Warning

US Secret Service Director Sean Curran stressed the danger. “Our mission is all about prevention,” he said. “Therefore, this investigation shows that any threat to our protectees will be tracked down and stopped immediately.”

Possible Connection to Impersonations

However, Bloomberg reports it is unclear if the network links to earlier incidents. Unknown individuals impersonated White House Chief of Staff Susie Wiles and Secretary of State Marco Rubio. For example, a State Department cable said that in mid-June, someone used a Signal account under Rubio’s name to send voice and text messages to five people, including three foreign ministers, a US governor, and a Congress member.

Operation Shows Vigilance

Overall, the operation demonstrates the Secret Service’s focus on protecting US telecom networks, especially during major international events.