Anthony Yates
The US Secret Service reportedly foiled a plot to disrupt telecommunications networks on a mass scale in NYC last month. They released an in-depth press release about the incident, but the threat may have been more significant than previously thought.
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What happened: The US Secret Service first revealed details about the plot on September 23. The date was of particular note as the United Nations General Assembly’s global meeting was active in NYC at the time.
- Authorities revealed that they uncovered “more than 300 co-located SIM servers and 100,000 SIM cards across multiple sites.” These locations were just 35 miles from the meeting. The Secret Service explained that the devices could be used to carry out “anonymous telephonic threats.”
- According to a report by ABC, investigators with Homeland Security have since found another location storing SIM cards in New Jersey. The area reportedly held an additional 200,000 SIM cards, which is double what the Secret Service found in NYC.
- The outlet notes that authorities have not yet made any arrests in connection with the discoveries in NYC or the site in New Jersey.
An Investigation Into The Foiled Plot Remains Ongoing
A forensic operation: The Secret Service did not name any suspects in their September press release. However, they explained that their forensics team is sifting through “100,000 cell phones’ worth of data.” They also noted “cellular communication between foreign actors and individuals known to federal law enforcement.”
- Owing to the sheer number of devices found in NYC, they could reportedly disrupt cell phone towers and enable “denial of service” attacks. The Secret Service called the operation “well funded,” noting that the devices could cause massive disruption by sending up to 30 million text messages per minute.
- Authorities claimed the seized devices could “essentially shut down the cellular network in New York City.”
Another foiled plot: A man from Tennessee pleaded guilty to “attempting to use a weapon of mass destruction and attempting to destroy an energy facility,” last month.
- Per the Office of Public Affairs, 24-year-old Skyler Philippi planned to destroy a power substation. He opted to use a custom-made drone and explosives when he realized he could not use regular firearms to do it.
- Authorities claim Philippi started dealing with undercover officers who accompanied him to the location on the night of the attempted plot. They apprehended him on site, and he faces a maximum sentence of life in prison.
