Operation Cell Shutdown: Secret Service takes down network threatening New York’s communication

The US Secret Service Uncovers Network of Threat Devices Near UN General Assembly

A recent report from NBC News reveals that the US Secret Service has successfully disrupted a network of devices used for carrying out assassination threats against US officials and facilitating anonymous communications among threat actors. This discovery was made within a 35-mile radius of the United Nations General Assembly, which commenced this week.

Apart from the immediate threat posed to US officials, the Secret Service disclosed that these devices had the potential to disrupt cellphone towers and emergency communications systems in the area.

The investigation by the Secret Service commenced in the spring following several imminent telecommunications-related threats directed at senior US government officials. Subsequently, over 300 SIM card servers and 100,000 SIM cards were discovered in five different locations across the New York region.

Matt McCool, the head of the Secret Service New York Field Office, highlighted that the network had the capability to disable cellphone towers, potentially leading to a shutdown of the cellular network in New York City. Additionally, Anthony Ferrante, the global head of cybersecurity practice at FTI, mentioned that the system could have been utilized for eavesdropping purposes, as reported by The New York Times.

Further analysis suggested that the network facilitated cellular communications between foreign actors and individuals under law enforcement surveillance. The Secret Service is actively investigating whether the threat actors intended to disrupt communications during the UN General Assembly. According to CBS News, the servers had the capacity to process 30 million text messages per minute, indicating a well-organized and well-funded system.

McCool reassured the public that the recovered devices no longer pose a threat to the New York tri-state area. He emphasized the Secret Service’s commitment to pursuing all leads until the intent behind the operation is fully understood.