Were Two Men from Gujarat Arrested in a Rs 1.95 Crore Digital Fraud in Hyderabad?
Synopsis
Key Takeaways
- Two men arrested in Hyderabad for digital fraud.
- Victim extorted for Rs 1.95 crore.
- Fraudsters impersonated government officials.
- Funds funneled to Dubai criminals via Hawala.
- Accused involved in multiple cyber fraud cases.
Hyderabad, Dec 29 (NationPress) Two individuals from Gujarat have been apprehended by the police in Hyderabad concerning a 'digital arrest' scheme that led to the extortion of over Rs 1.95 crore from a woman.
The Cyber Crime Police of Hyderabad detained Saiyad Soyab Jahid Bhai and Belim Anas Rahim Bhai, both hailing from Bhavnagar, Gujarat.
These suspects played an integral role in executing the cyber fraud by utilizing various mule bank accounts to receive and siphon off the misappropriated funds, which were eventually funneled to cyber criminals based in Dubai via Hawala networks, according to V. Aravind Babu, the Deputy Commissioner of Police at the Cyber Crime Police Station.
On December 13, the police received a complaint from the victim, who reported being ensnared under the guise of a 'digital arrest.'
The victim received numerous calls from unidentified individuals pretending to be officials from government and telecom agencies. They falsely accused her husband of being involved in serious crimes, threatening immediate arrest and creating a sense of urgency and fear.
Through impersonation and staged calls, the fraudsters gained the victim's trust, convincing her to transfer money under the pretense of verifying currency serial numbers and clearing a case.
Under pressure and believing their fabrications, the victim transferred Rs 1,95,76,000 via RTGS from her bank accounts to the accounts designated by the fraudsters.
According to the police, Jahid Bhai was instrumental in establishing mule bank accounts for fraudulent activities, managing withdrawals of illicit funds, and earning a 15 percent commission on the deposits routed through these mule accounts. Conversely, Rahim Bhai followed directives from higher-ups, managing the mule accounts and ensuring seamless fund transfers to overseas criminals through Hawala.
Both suspects have a history of cyber offenses, with the accounts linked to them implicated in 22 separate cases.
In total, transactions amounting to around Rs 3.5 crore were executed through the accounts linked to these fraudsters.