Rise of VoIP Crime Networks: How Technology is Changing Organised Crime

Rise of VoIP Crime Networks: Explore how Voice over Internet Protocol technology is enabling organised crime through scam call centres, cyber fraud, and cross-border criminal networks.

Table of Contents

Context

Police officials highlight that today’s gangs operate very differently from the 1990s underworld, using technology and anonymity to evade law enforcement, making detection and prosecution far more difficult,

Shift from Traditional Underworld to New-Age Gangs

Unlike earlier organised crime syndicates, the Bishnoi gang follows a decentralised, low-traceability model, relying on technology, temporary operatives, and fear-based silence.

Basis of Difference	Traditional Gangs (1990s–2000s)	New-Age Gangs (Bishnoi Model)
Communication Methods	Used international SIM cards and direct phone calls, which could be tracked	Use VoIP calls and encrypted internet-based platforms, making tracking difficult
Traceability	Fixed numbers and known handlers allowed police surveillance	Disposable devices, changing IPs, and deleted data leave minimal digital evidence
Type of Shooters Used	Known shooters with criminal records and fixed networks	First-time offenders with no criminal background, harder to identify
Organisational Structure	Centralised gangs with clear hierarchy and leadership	Decentralised and loosely connected networks, limiting intelligence breakthroughs
Claiming Responsibility	Openly called media to claim attacks and issue threats	Brief social media posts, screenshots, and deletion ensure deniability
Police Intelligence & Complaints	Victims often complained, helping police act pre-emptively	Fear and anonymity discourage complaints, reducing police visibility

Why VoIP calls are Hard to Track

What is VoIP (Voice over Internet Protocol)?

VoIP is a technology that allows voice calls to be made using the internet instead of traditional phone networks.

VoIP works by changing voice into digital signals and sending them over the internet.

1. Voice Conversion: Your voice is picked up by a microphone and converted from sound into digital data.

2. Packetization: The digital voice data is broken into small packets, each carrying part of the message.

3. Transmission: These packets travel over the internet using broadband connections like fiber, cable, or mobile data.

4. Routing: Internet routers direct the packets to the correct receiver using IP addresses.

5. Reassembly: At the destination, packets are put back together in the correct order.

6. Output: The digital data is converted back into sound so the receiver can hear the voice.

Features Making VoIP Attractive to Criminals

No SIM card needed – avoids telecom tracking
Changing IP addresses – location masking
Encrypted platforms – limits interception
Disposable devices/apps – quick destruction of evidence
Foreign servers – jurisdictional hurdles for police

Because of these features, unless real-time technical data is available, law enforcement struggles to trace callers or link threats to individuals.

Read More Notes
Environment Notes	Art and Culture Notes
Science and Tech	History Notes
Geography Notes	Indian Polity Notes
General Knowledge	International Relation