Did Delhi Police Uncover a Major Inter-State Cyber Fraud Racket?
Synopsis
Key Takeaways
- Delhi Police has dismantled a major inter-state cyber fraud network.
- Four suspects were arrested in connection with the fraud.
- The operation revealed a financial trail of around Rs 24 crore.
- Fraudsters used fake apps and WhatsApp groups to lure victims.
- Efforts are ongoing to track additional victims and freeze remaining funds.
New Delhi, Dec 19 (NationPress) The Inter-State Cell (ISC) of the Crime Branch, Delhi Police, has successfully dismantled a significant inter-state cyber fraud operation engaged in online investment scams. Four suspects were apprehended across two distinct cases, revealing a financial trail amounting to approximately Rs 24 crore, officials disclosed on Friday.
The fraudulent scheme was orchestrated through deceptive WhatsApp groups and fake trading applications, according to police reports.
The arrests were executed by teams led by Inspectors Shivraj Bisht and Satendra Khari, under the guidance of ACP Ramesh Lamba.
The perpetrators misled unsuspecting individuals with promises of lucrative returns on investments via counterfeit mobile applications.
In the first instance, a complainant lost Rs 31.45 lakh after being invited to a WhatsApp group and convinced to download a fraudulent trading app named “Cventura”.
The victim transferred funds into six different bank accounts before the group vanished, and the app ceased to operate.
An FIR was filed at Cyber NED and subsequently handed over to the Crime Branch for further inquiry.
During their investigation, police tracked the funds through various mule accounts, executing raids in Ludhiana and Khanna in Punjab, resulting in the capture of Rajiv (33) from Rupnagar and Monu Kumar (27) from Ludhiana.
Rajiv’s account was linked to Rs 6.45 lakh received from this case and showed transactions exceeding Rs one crore tied to multiple cyber fraud incidents. Monu was identified as facilitating the opening and sale of bank accounts for commission.
Two additional associates remain at large.
In the second case, a victim was defrauded of Rs 47.15 lakh after joining a WhatsApp group named “VIP 10 Stock Sharing Group” and investing through a fake application called “Verger”.
Investigations indicated that funds were funneled through nine bank accounts across various states.
Raids conducted in Haryana and Rajasthan led to the arrests of Mohit, Balwan, and Rajbir Singh. Authorities discovered that Mohit and Rajbir played roles as first-layer account providers, with transactions nearing Rs 23 crore processed through their accounts in a brief timeframe, while Balwan acted as a mediator, securing bank accounts on commission.
Officials stated that the investigation has unveiled a well-structured cyber fraud network operating across multiple states utilizing counterfeit apps, WhatsApp groups, and layered banking channels.
Comprehensive financial audits and technical evaluations are currently in progress to identify additional victims, trace the ultimate beneficiaries, and freeze any remaining assets.
"Our efforts continue to locate the absconding suspects, including those connected to the arrested individuals," remarked DCP Aditya Gautam.