SIM farm offences explained

Key points

• Possessing a SIM farm (s.151) and supplying one (s.152) are offences from 29 October 2026 (SI 2026/960, regulation 5).
• A SIM farm is a device capable of using five or more removable SIM cards, together or in turn, for calls to, or texts to or from, phone numbers (s.153). As at 2 November 2026, a device that uses only eSIMs is not covered.
• It is a defence for the person charged to prove a good reason or lawful authority. For supply there is a three part defence.
• Summary only, with an unlimited fine and a six month time limit. Not recordable as at 2 November 2026.
• Schedule 16 lets you search vehicles on reasonable suspicion and premises under a warrant. It gives no power to seize and no power to search a person.
• Obstructing a constable using these powers, or failing to comply with a requirement, is a separate offence (para 11).

Free to download: these offences, with the points to prove and the powers, are in the Patrol Companion app on your Android phone. Get it on Google Play

General information, not legal advice. Check the current law and your force policy. Points marked Untested have not been decided by a court. Before acting on one, ask your supervisor, force legal services or the CPS.

What is a SIM farm?

The definition is in s.153. In sections 151 and 152, a SIM farm is:

a device which is capable of using five or more SIM cards simultaneously or interchangeably, for a purpose mentioned in subsection (2), or an article specified in regulations made by the Secretary of StateCrime and Policing Act 2026, s.153(1), shortened

The purposes in s.153(2) are making telephone calls to people at telephone numbers allocated in accordance with national or international numbering plans, or sending messages to, or receiving messages from, such numbers. The test is what the device is capable of. It does not matter how many cards were fitted when you found it.

What counts as a SIM card

A SIM card is a removable physical subscriber identity module, or an article specified in regulations (s.153(3)). A card is “used” for a call or message if it enables the service that carries the call or message to be accessed (s.153(4)). As at 2 November 2026, no regulations had been made, so a device that works only with eSIMs is not covered.

What is not clear

Untested “Device” and “interchangeably” are not defined. A rack of separate phones, or a router that uses SIM cards for data only, may fall outside the test. Do not charge on the slot count alone.

Recognising one (guidance, not law)

Look for a box, rack or board with a grid of card slots, often 8, 16, 32 or more, with leads and sometimes aerials, and for bulk SIM cards or lists of numbers. Then ask whether there is a good reason or lawful authority, such as broadcasting, public transport, a communications network or freight tracking.

Are SIM farms illegal in the UK?

Yes. Since 29 October 2026, possessing a SIM farm is an offence (s.151) and so is supplying one (s.152). Each has a defence the person charged must prove (below). A device with several SIM slots is not caught unless it meets the s.153 definition. The Government calls SIM farms a tool for sending scam texts in bulk (GOV.UK news story), but the Act does not require any fraud.

The SIM farm ban: when it started

Sections 151 to 153 and Schedule 16 came into force on 29 October 2026 (SI 2026/960, regulation 5(a) and (d)). Only possession or supply on or after that date counts, but someone who bought a device earlier and still has it on or after that date possesses it. The matching offences for a “specified article” (ss.154 and 155) are also in force, but as at 2 November 2026 no article had been specified under s.156.

The offences extend to the whole UK (s.254(2)(z1)). In Scotland and Northern Ireland the maximum fine is level 5 on the standard scale.

SIM farm possession offence (s.151)

A person who possesses a SIM farm commits an offence.Crime and Policing Act 2026, s.151(1)

The Act states no intent and needs no link to fraud. Under general possession law, possession means custody or control of the device, knowing it is there. Untested It is not settled whether the suspect must also know the device meets the s.153 definition. Record what they knew: who bought it, who set it up and who used it.

The defence: good reason or lawful authority

Section 151(2) says it is a defence for a person charged to prove that they had a good reason or lawful authority for possessing the SIM farm. Under s.151(3), a good reason includes in particular a purpose connected with:

• providing broadcasting services
• operating or maintaining a public transport service
• operating or maintaining an electronic communications network (as defined by section 32 of the Communications Act 2003)
• tracking freight or monitoring it in any other way

The list does not limit s.151(2), so other reasons can count. A person who possesses a SIM farm in order to supply it has a good reason only if any supply would meet s.152(2)(a) to (c) (s.151(4)).

Who has to prove the defence

You do not have to disprove the defence, but you must still check what the suspect says: it is a reasonable line of enquiry (CPIA Code of Practice para 3.5).

Untested “To prove” points to a legal burden: the defendant must show the defence is more likely than not. In the same Part, s.150 (not yet in force) makes the s.149 defences, which use the words “to show”, evidential only. There is no such provision for ss.151 and 152. A court could still read it down under s.3 Human Rights Act 1998 to an evidential burden: the defendant need only raise the issue, and the prosecution must then disprove it beyond reasonable doubt.

Supplying a SIM farm (s.152)

A person who supplies a SIM farm to another person commits an offence.Crime and Policing Act 2026, s.152(1)

Untested “Supplies” and “in the course of a business” are not defined, and no court has ruled on what the supplier must know about the device. Sale is the clear case; hire, loan and free handover may also count.

The three part defence

Under s.152(2) it is a defence for the supplier to prove all of the following:

1. The supply was made in the course of a business carried on by the supplier, or the supplier had a good reason or lawful authority for possessing the SIM farm before the supply. Possessing it in order to supply it to another does not count (s.152(3)).
2. Before the supply, the supplier took reasonable steps to satisfy themselves that the recipient would have a good reason or lawful authority for possessing it.
3. Before the supply, the supplier made a record of the specified information.

For example, a shop that sells network equipment as part of its business, checks the buyer and records the details below before the sale can rely on the defence. A person outside any business who bought one only to sell it on cannot, because possessing it to supply it does not count as a good reason.

Penalties

Possession (s.151(5)(a)), supply (s.152(5)(a)) and the Schedule 16 obstruction offence (para 11(4)(a)) are all summary only. On summary conviction in England and Wales the penalty is a fine. The Act sets no maximum, so it is an unlimited fine, and there is no prison term.

Time limit: the information must be laid, or the written charge issued, within six months of the offence (s.127 Magistrates’ Courts Act 1980). The forensic report does not stop the clock.

Not recordable as at 2 November 2026. Fine only offences are recordable only if listed in the Schedule to the National Police Records (Recordable Offences) Regulations 2000, and as at 2 November 2026 the Schedule has no entry for the 2026 Act.

For both offences, where a senior manager of a company or partnership commits the offence acting within the actual or apparent scope of their authority, the organisation also commits it (s.250, in force 29 June 2026). Sections 151 to 153 have no separate provision on directors consenting or conniving.

Police powers to search for SIM farms (Schedule 16)

Schedule 16 gives powers of entry and search for “relevant evidence”: evidence of an offence under ss.151 to 155, or of an attempt, conspiracy, encouraging or assisting, or aiding, abetting, counselling or procuring such an offence (para 1). “Premises” includes any place, including vehicles, vessels, aircraft, offshore installations, renewable energy installations and tents or movable structures.

Vehicles (para 3)

With reasonable grounds to suspect relevant evidence in a vehicle that is not a dwelling, you may stop, detain, enter and search it at any time. If searching it there is impracticable, you may have it taken elsewhere, and a traveller or the registered keeper can be required to give facilities and assistance with matters under their control. The powers apply wherever you lawfully have access (para 3(5)), but give no right to enter private land to reach the vehicle. A caravan or motorhome someone lives in may be a dwelling. Para 4 gives similar powers for vessels and aircraft.

Para 3 is a power to search a vehicle without arrest, so ss.2 and 3 PACE apply. Before searching, give the person in charge your name and station, the object and grounds, and their right to a copy of the record, and show your warrant card if not in uniform. Only a constable in uniform can stop a vehicle (s.2(9)(b) PACE). Leave a notice in an unattended vehicle and make a search record. Skip these and the search may be unlawful. Untested It is not settled whether PACE Code A applies (Code A para 2.1(a)), so follow it: reasonable grounds and records.

Premises: the search warrant (para 5)

A justice of the peace may issue a warrant to enter and search premises for relevant evidence. It can cover specified premises or, in England and Wales, be an all-premises warrant: one that covers any premises occupied or controlled by a named person. A constable applies with information in writing, and may do so without notice to the people affected. The applicant must answer on oath any question the justice asks (para 6).

There must be reasonable grounds to suspect that relevant evidence is on the premises and, for premises named in the application, any one of these (para 5(3)(b)):

• it is not practicable to communicate with any person entitled to grant entry to the premises
• it is not practicable to communicate with any person entitled to grant access to the items
• entry is unlikely to be granted unless a warrant is produced
• the purpose of entry may be frustrated or seriously prejudiced unless a constable arriving at the premises can secure immediate entry

Sections 15 and 16 PACE also apply, and an entry or search that does not comply with them is unlawful (s.15(1) PACE). Where the rules differ, follow the stricter one. PACE Code B applies. A s.8 PACE warrant is not available, because these offences are not indictable.

What Schedule 16 does not give you

• Seizure. Para 2 keeps your other powers. Lawfully on premises (including a vehicle), you may seize under s.19 PACE with reasonable grounds for believing the item is evidence of an offence and that seizure is necessary to stop it being concealed, lost, altered or destroyed (s.19(3)). You can require electronic information in a visible, legible form you can take away (s.19(4)). Nothing may be seized that you have reasonable grounds for believing is subject to legal privilege (s.19(6)). On request, give a record of what you seized (s.21). Items may be kept as long as necessary, but not for evidence or examination if a photograph or copy would do (s.22 PACE).
• Searching a person. Para 8(5) rules it out. After an arrest away from a police station, s.32(2)(a) PACE lets you search the arrested person for evidence, but only with reasonable grounds for believing they may have concealed on them something you may search for (s.32(5)). A SIM farm on its own is not a prohibited article for a s.1 PACE search. It is one only where you have grounds to suspect it is made, adapted or intended for use in fraud (s.1(7)(b) and (8)(d)).
• A PIN or password. There is no express power to demand one. Untested It is not settled whether refusing breaches a para 8(4) or 9(2) requirement. The usual route is a notice under s.49 Regulation of Investigatory Powers Act 2000, which needs the appropriate permission, so ask your digital forensic unit.

Obstruction (para 11)

Paragraph 11 creates two offences, the second with two limbs:

Paras 11(1) and 11(2)(a) apply only “without reasonable excuse”. Para 11(2)(b) has no such wording.

The constable must be using a Schedule 16 power, and using it lawfully. If its conditions were not met, for example no reasonable grounds or the vehicle was a dwelling, the offence is unlikely to be made out. “Constable” includes a person with the powers of a constable and a person authorised under para 7(2) to accompany one executing a warrant (para 11(3)).

Good practice, not a statutory duty: before relying on para 11,

1. say which power you are using
2. say exactly what you need, for example open a locked room or hand over invoices
3. tell them it is an offence to fail to comply without reasonable excuse
4. give them a fair chance to comply
5. note any reason they give, word for word.

Wilful obstruction under s.89(2) Police Act 1996 is imprisonable and recordable, but it needs the constable to be acting in the execution of their duty. It does not help where a Schedule 16 power was used without its conditions being met.

Practical points for officers

Arrest or report

First consider a voluntary interview or a report for summons (PACE Code G). Arrest is available only under s.24 PACE, with reasonable grounds to suspect the offence and reasonable grounds for believing arrest is necessary for a s.24(5) reason. See Section 24 PACE arrest and the necessity criteria explained. The reasons that usually fit are name or address (s.24(5)(a) and (b)), or the prompt and effective investigation of the offence (s.24(5)(e)), for example where the suspect may destroy evidence or have it wiped remotely.

Because the offences are not recordable, fingerprints and a non-intimate sample cannot be taken without consent after arrest for one of them alone (s.61(3) and s.63(2A) PACE). Fingerprints may still be taken under s.61(6A) where the name is unknown or doubted.

Interview topics

• Who owns the device, who set it up and who else has access.
• What it is for, and who supplies the SIM cards and in whose names.
• Any business use or authority claimed, and the paperwork for it (business name, address, company number).
• For supply: what checks were made on the buyer, and what record was made and when.

Offer legal advice. Before the interview, give the suspect and any solicitor enough information about the device and exhibits to understand the offence and why they are suspected (Code C para 11.1A).

Charging

We found no published CJS offence code (the code used to record and charge the offence on police systems) as at 2 November 2026. Ask your criminal justice unit for the charge wording before you charge.

Consider instead

Where there is evidence of fraud, such as scam messages traced to the device, victims or target lists, consider possession of articles for use in frauds (s.6 Fraud Act 2006). It is either way and imprisonable, so ss.8, 17(1)(b), 18 and 32(2)(b) PACE become available, but only where you have grounds for that offence. For a supplier who knew the device was designed or adapted for fraud, or intended it for fraud, consider s.7.

SIM farm FAQ

Are SIM farms illegal in the UK?

Yes. Since 29 October 2026, possessing a SIM farm (s.151) and supplying one (s.152) are offences under the Crime and Policing Act 2026, unless the person proves a good reason or lawful authority or, for supply, the three part defence in s.152(2).

What is a SIM farm?

A device capable of using five or more SIM cards simultaneously or interchangeably, for calls to, or messages to or from, telephone numbers allocated under national or international numbering plans (s.153). Only removable physical SIM cards count unless regulations say otherwise.

When did the SIM farm ban start?

On 29 October 2026, under SI 2026/960, regulation 5. Possession on or after that date counts, even if the device was bought earlier.

What is the penalty for having a SIM farm?

An unlimited fine on summary conviction in England and Wales, and a fine of up to level 5 on the standard scale in Scotland and Northern Ireland. There is no prison term, and as at 2 November 2026 the offences are not recordable.

Can you be arrested for having a SIM farm?

Yes, under s.24 PACE, but only if arrest is necessary for one of the s.24(5) reasons. Where the device is secured and the name and address are known, a voluntary interview or a report for summons will often do.

Can police search my car or home for a SIM farm?

A constable with reasonable grounds to suspect there is evidence of a SIM farm offence in a vehicle that is not a dwelling may stop and search it (Schedule 16, para 3). A home can be searched only with consent, a warrant from a justice of the peace under para 5, or another lawful power.

Do I need to keep a record if I sell a SIM farm?

Yes, if you want to rely on the defence. The sale must be in the course of your business, or you must have had a good reason or lawful authority for having the device other than to sell it on, and before the sale you must take reasonable steps to check the buyer would have a good reason or lawful authority and record the date, a description of the device, the buyer's name and address (and any registered number and registered office if the buyer is not an individual) and the checks you made (s.152(2) and (4)).

Does an eSIM device count as a SIM farm?

Not at the moment. A SIM card means a removable physical SIM unless regulations specify another article (s.153(3)), and as at 2 November 2026 none had been made.

Is a rack of mobile phones a SIM farm?

Not clearly. The test is one device capable of using five or more SIM cards, and whether separate phones wired together count has not been decided by a court.

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Last checked 2 November 2026 against legislation.gov.uk.