Roskomnadzor, the Russian telecommunications regulator, has disclosed cases where telecom operators issued more than a thousand SIM cards to a single subscriber. The ministry notes that such practices may breach the laws of the Russian Federation, and this information was conveyed through Roskomnadzor’s press service.
According to the ministry, operators provided data on 351.1 million numbers, and violations were identified on 43 million of those numbers. In response, mobile operators blocked 600 thousand numbers tied to SIM cards that were issued inappropriately. This action demonstrates the regulator’s ongoing efforts to monitor SIM card distribution and enforce compliance with licensing and consumer protection rules.
During ongoing analysis, Roskomnadzor highlighted that a substantial number of SIM cards had been issued to a very small group of individuals. Data supplied by operators were examined thoroughly, revealing 916 citizens who possessed more than one thousand SIM cards each. The regulator underscored that these patterns raise concerns about misuse, possible fraud, and the efficiency of the country’s telecommunication infrastructure.
In January, Roskomnadzor reported that the ministry, in collaboration with the Ministry of Internal Affairs, conducted nearly 200 events over the past two years. These operations culminated in the seizure of more than 78 thousand so-called gray SIM cards, reflecting a broad crackdown on unregistered or illicit SIM card turnover and the associated security risks.
Earlier statements from cybersecurity expert Pavel Myasoedov indicated that Gosuslugi, Russia’s public services portal, can display data on SIM cards registered to citizens. This perspective underscores the role of centralized government systems in monitoring telecommunications asset registration and linking identity to SIM ownership, thereby supporting traceability and accountability in the sector.
There has been prior reporting about tightening control over the turnover of SIM cards, signaling a sustained policy shift toward stronger regulatory oversight and consumer protection. In this context, operators are likely to face increased audits, stricter verification requirements, and enhanced cooperation with law enforcement to prevent abuse and protect personal data while maintaining service accessibility.
Overall, the Roskomnadzor updates illustrate a clear regulatory trajectory aimed at curbing lax issuance practices, ensuring accurate subscriber data, and mitigating security risks associated with mass SIM deployments. The emphasis on data transparency, cross-agency collaboration, and proactive enforcement reflects the regulator’s commitment to a secure and reliable telecommunications environment for residents and businesses alike.
As the telecommunications landscape evolves, so does the framework for monitoring card issuance. The ongoing review of SIM card distribution channels, the tightening of registration rules, and the capacity to block invalid numbers collectively contribute to a more accountable market. Stakeholders in the sector, including service providers and users, can anticipate continued oversight and potential policy updates as authorities pursue a balanced approach that safeguards consumer rights while safeguarding national security and network integrity.