Rajasthan: Is a Rs 1100 crore cyber fraud syndicate really busted?
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Synopsis
In a groundbreaking move against cybercrime, Rajasthan's Jodhpur Commissionerate Police has uncovered a vast international fraud syndicate, amassing over Rs 1,100 crore. This operation reveals a sophisticated scheme leveraging illegal SIM cards across multiple countries to deceive victims through fake investment offers.
Key Takeaways
- The Jodhpur Commissionerate Police has successfully busted a Rs 1,100 crore cyber fraud syndicate.
- The operation involved illegal SIM cards activated to deceive victims.
- Investigation revealed connections across multiple countries.
- Five suspects have been arrested, with more investigations ongoing.
- The police are working to block fraudulent SIM cards and WhatsApp accounts.
Jaipur, Jan 20 (NationPress) In a significant achievement in the fight against cybercrime, the Jodhpur Commissionerate Police in Rajasthan has dismantled a vast international cyber fraud network associated with transactions exceeding Rs 1,100 crore.
The operation spanned multiple countries, including India, Cambodia, Singapore, and Malaysia, with its main hub situated in Cambodia. This successful operation was executed under the leadership of Police Commissioner Omprakash.
Investigative efforts uncovered that the fraudsters utilized Indian SIM cards activated through illegal means to reach out to victims via WhatsApp, enticing them with fraudulent investment and online trading schemes.
An official indicated that forensic analysis traced the origin of fraudulent calls and messages to locations like Preah Sihanouk (Sihanoukville), Cambodia, despite the usage of Indian mobile numbers.
“These SIM cards were clandestinely shipped abroad and exploited for cyber fraud against Indian citizens. Through meticulous reverse data analysis, police scrutinized records of around 2.30 lakh mobile SIM cards,” he stated.
He emphasized that with the aid of the Indian Cyber Crime Coordination Centre (I4C), it was discovered that approximately 36,000 Indian SIM cards were active in Cambodia.
“Of these, 5,300 SIM cards were implicated in defrauding over Rs 1,100 crore across various Indian states. The method employed was exceptionally deceptive. The accused, Prakash Bhil, along with his accomplices, targeted customers at mobile SIM Point-of-Sale (POS) outlets,” he explained.
The official added that under the guise of fingerprint or photo mismatches during verification, two SIM cards were activated instead of one.
“Customers received one SIM, while the other was retained by the gang. These extra SIM cards were subsequently sold at inflated prices and smuggled to Cambodia through Malaysian nationals, where they were utilized for cyber fraud activities,” he noted.
Additionally, he mentioned that the police have arrested five primary suspects, including SIM distributors and agents identified as Hemant Panwar (SIM distributor, Nagaur), Ramavatar Rathi (SIM sales agent), Harish Malakar (Ajmer), Mohammad Sharif (Jodhpur), and Sandeep Bhatt (Ludhiana, Punjab). The accused Prakash Bhil had been previously apprehended.
The official revealed that a Look Out Circular (LOC) has been issued against four Malaysian nationals implicated in the transport of SIM cards to Cambodia, including Lee Jian Hui, Lo Dee Khen, Chin Yu Ming, and Leong Ken Neth.
“The cyber fraud impacted numerous states, with siphoned funds distributed as follows: Maharashtra: Rs 248.21 crore, Tamil Nadu: Rs 225.50 crore, Delhi: Rs 73.67 crore, Telangana: Rs 73.43 crore, Karnataka: Rs 71.79 crore, and Rajasthan: Rs 25.71 crore,” he elaborated.
The police are currently in the process of blocking nearly 5,000 suspicious SIM cards and their associated WhatsApp accounts operating from Cambodia.
The official concluded by stating that a Special Investigation Team (SIT) has been established at the Commissionerate level to conduct a thorough investigation and identify further suspects, beneficiaries, and financial pathways.
Point of View
This incident underscores the urgent need for enhanced cyber security measures and international cooperation to combat transnational crime. The involvement of foreign nationals emphasizes the global nature of cyber threats and the necessity for robust legislative frameworks to protect citizens.
NationPress
20/01/2026
Frequently Asked Questions
What was the total amount involved in the Rajasthan cyber fraud?
The fraud involved transactions worth over Rs 1,100 crore.
How many suspects have been arrested in this case?
Five key suspects have been arrested, including SIM distributors and agents.
What method did the syndicate use to commit fraud?
The syndicate used illegally activated Indian SIM cards to contact victims via WhatsApp with fake investment schemes.
Which countries were involved in this cyber fraud operation?
The operation spanned across India, Cambodia, Singapore, and Malaysia.
What actions are being taken by the police now?
The police are blocking nearly 5,000 suspicious SIM cards and have formed a Special Investigation Team for further investigation.
