In a recent interview with the National Information Service, Charles Gahungu, Head of Information Technology at Rwanda Utilities Regulatory Authority (RURA), raised alarms over the growing practice of selling used or second-hand SIM cards, warning that it poses a serious risk to consumers.

Used SIM Cards May Be Linked to Crime

Gahungu emphasized that purchasing SIM cards from unauthorized or unknown sellers could result in major legal and security issues. Some of these SIM cards may have been previously involved in criminal activities, including fraud, cybercrime, or other illegal operations.

“By buying a SIM card from these people, you are putting yourself in danger because you don’t know its origin. That SIM card may have been used in serious crimes, thus putting you in unexpected trouble,” Gahungu warned.

RURA and Security Agencies Step Up Crackdown

To combat the illegal trade, RURA is working hand in hand with security agencies to identify and take action against individuals and networks involved in the sale of unauthorized SIM cards.

The goal is to protect the public from unknowingly using SIM cards linked to criminal activity, and to reinforce Rwanda’s commitment to digital safety and data protection.

What RURA Recommends to Mobile Users

RURA strongly advises all mobile phone users to:

✅ Buy SIM cards only from licensed telecom operators or authorized distributors
✅ Ensure that the SIM card is new and factory-sealed
✅ Avoid street vendors or third-party sellers offering SIM cards at suspiciously low prices

These measures help prevent potential threats such as data theft, identity fraud, and cybercrime—all of which have been previously traced back to illegally sold SIM cards.

Past Incidents Linked to Illegal SIM Card Sales

RURA reports that several past cases of data breaches and digital fraud were traced to SIM cards obtained illegally. Some users unknowingly became entangled in police investigations simply because they were using numbers previously linked to crime.