Who Were the Three Cyber Fraudsters Arrested in Delhi for Scamming Seniors?
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Synopsis
In a significant crackdown, the Delhi Police's Cyber Unit has arrested three individuals involved in a sophisticated scam targeting senior citizens. These fraudsters posed as police officials to manipulate victims into transferring their life savings. This incident raises alarming questions about the safety of the elderly in the digital age.
Key Takeaways
- Three fraudsters arrested for scamming seniors.
- Used WhatsApp to pose as police officers.
- Victims lost nearly Rs 25 lakh.
- Authorities are tracing mule accounts linked to the fraud.
- Awareness is crucial in preventing cyber scams.
New Delhi, May 26 (NationPress) The Cyber Police Station team of Delhi Police has apprehended three infamous fraudsters for digitally detaining senior citizens and embezzling their funds.
The individuals have been identified as Rahul Verma from Raipur, Chhattisgarh; Shantanu Richoriya from Jhansi, Uttar Pradesh; and Arjun Singh from Village Saharanpur, Uttar Pradesh. All three are approximately 25 years old.
During their arrest, authorities recovered three smartphones, four SIM cards, debit cards, four bank passbooks, and three cheque books from their possession.
According to a press release from police officials on Monday, a complaint was filed by Mahender Jain, a resident of Raj Nagar, Palam Colony. He reported a digital arrest and a fraudulent loss of Rs 25 lakh at the hands of unknown scammers.
Subsequently, on April 10, he filed a written complaint at the Cyber South West Police Station, alleging that he received a WhatsApp video call on March 21 from an individual claiming to be Sanjay, a Police Inspector from the Nashik Police's Crime Branch.
The caller informed Jain that his Aadhaar card had been misappropriated to create a fake debit/credit card at Canara Bank. The caller presented a photocopy of the card, claiming it was being used for money laundering by the owner of a major airline. After threatening him with police action, Jain transferred all his savings, fixed deposits, and jewelry worth approximately Rs 25 lakh via PayTm and RTGS.
Following an initial inquiry, FIR No. 29/2025 was registered under sections 318(2)/61(2)/3(5) BNS at PS Cyber, South West district, and an investigation commenced.
Considering the seriousness of the situation, a specialized team was formed, including Sub Inspector Chetan Rana, Head Constable Manender, and HC Vijaypal, under the direction of Inspector Pravesh Kaushik, SHO/PS Cyber, South West, and overall supervision by Vijay Kumar, ACP/Ops, South West District.
The team was assigned to devise a comprehensive strategy to target the syndicate of fraudsters who prey on senior citizens through digital arrests.
Employing technical surveillance, digital footprint analysis, and money trail investigations, they pinpointed the suspects operating from various states. The fraudsters utilized WhatsApp with false identities, conducted scams from hotel rooms in Delhi, and interacted with mule account holders from across India, who were brought to the hotels in person.
After extensive analysis, a raid was executed in Paharganj, leading to the apprehension of all three suspects.
Upon interrogation, it emerged that Rahul initially provided his account to the group. Eventually, he began collaborating with the syndicate, supplying accounts for their operations.
The accused facilitated and managed mule account holders in Delhi and communicated with international operators via WhatsApp to evade law enforcement agencies. They would further transfer the stolen funds into these accounts, operating through secret WhatsApp groups using fake numbers.
Currently, around 7-8 mule accounts linked to them have been traced. Other accomplices have been identified, and raids to apprehend them are ongoing, as stated in the media release from DCP Surendra Choudhary.
Point of View
I emphasize the necessity of vigilance in safeguarding our senior citizens from emerging cyber threats. This incident underscores the growing sophistication of fraudsters and the importance of immediate action from law enforcement to ensure public safety. It's crucial for communities to remain informed and proactive in combating such schemes.
NationPress
08/06/2025
Frequently Asked Questions
What were the charges against the fraudsters?
The fraudsters were charged under FIR No. 29/2025 for digitally detaining and defrauding senior citizens of their money.
How did the fraudsters operate?
They posed as police officers on WhatsApp, threatening victims to transfer their savings under false pretenses of legal action.
What measures are being taken to prevent such scams?
Authorities are enhancing surveillance and community awareness to protect elderly citizens from digital fraud.
How much money was defrauded from victims?
The victims reported losses totaling approximately Rs 25 lakh due to these scams.
Where were the suspects arrested?
The suspects were apprehended during a raid in Paharganj, New Delhi.
