Who is the Mumbai-based cyber fraudster arrested during nationwide raids?
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Synopsis
In a significant move against cybercrime, the CBI has arrested a notorious Mumbai-based fraudster linked to a high-stakes investment scam. This operation not only highlights the agency's commitment to curbing cyber-enabled financial crimes but also unveils the intricate methods employed by criminals to exploit unsuspecting investors. Stay tuned for the full story.
Key Takeaways
- CBI's Operation Chakra-V aims to combat cybercrime effectively.
- Pratik Tanpure was implicated in significant online investment fraud.
- Seizure of incriminating evidence is crucial for prosecution.
- Public awareness is essential in preventing cyber fraud.
- Government initiatives are focusing on enhanced cyber security.
Mumbai/New Delhi, June 13 (NationPress) - The Central Bureau of Investigation (CBI) has apprehended a cyber fraudster in Mumbai and confiscated crucial documents amid a sweeping national offensive against cyber-enabled financial crimes under Operation Chakra-V, an official reported on Friday.
Pratik Tanpure, a resident of Kalyan, was taken into custody during simultaneous searches at 10 locations spanning Delhi, Hisar, Lucknow, Mumbai, Pune, and Nashik linked to an organized investment fraud case facilitated by cyber means.
He played a pivotal role in providing pre-activated SIM cards and mule bank accounts to networks of cybercriminals, thus enabling and perpetuating their illegal activities, the official stated.
A mule account is a bank account exploited by criminals to funnel stolen funds. The individual who possesses this account is referred to as a "money mule".
During the searches, significant incriminating evidence was unearthed from Tanpure, as confirmed by the CBI in a statement.
The case involves a meticulously planned scam where unsuspecting victims were deceived via a fraudulent mobile application and WhatsApp groups, as per the CBI.
The fraudsters lured innocent investors with promises of discounted shares from reputable listed companies. Once the victims invested their hard-earned money, the accused misappropriated the funds, noted the federal agency.
During the coordinated searches, the CBI confiscated vital digital and documentary evidence from the perpetrator's premises, revealing the complex tactics used to defraud unsuspecting investors, the agency stated.
Operation Chakra-V aims to dismantle cybercrime syndicates and their supporting infrastructure.
This federal operation aligns with Home Minister Amit Shah’s directive to leverage Artificial Intelligence for identifying mule accounts.
HM Shah reported that over 1.9 million such accounts have been detected, and transactions worth Rs 2,038 crore were halted in the ongoing battle against cybercrime.
Earlier, while presiding over a meeting of the Parliamentary Consultative Committee for the Ministry of Home Affairs on 'Cyber Security and Cyber Crime', HM Shah emphasized the rising incidence of cyber financial frauds, promoting the Cyber Crime Coordination Centre (I4C)'s 1930 helpline as a comprehensive solution offering various services, including card blocking.
Point of View
It is crucial to recognize the serious implications of this arrest on a national level. The CBI's proactive measures in combating cybercrime reflect an urgent need for increased vigilance and robust security measures to protect citizens from emerging digital threats. This incident serves as a wake-up call, emphasizing the need for public awareness and cooperation in reporting suspicious activities.
NationPress
21/09/2025
Frequently Asked Questions
What is Operation Chakra-V?
Operation Chakra-V is a nationwide initiative by the CBI aimed at dismantling cybercrime syndicates and their supporting infrastructure.
What role did Pratik Tanpure play in the cyber fraud?
Pratik Tanpure was involved in supplying pre-activated SIM cards and mule bank accounts to cybercriminal networks, facilitating their illegal operations.
What is a mule account?
A mule account is a bank account used by criminals to transfer stolen money, with the account holder often referred to as a 'money mule.'
How much money has been prevented from cyber fraud?
The operation has reportedly prevented transactions worth Rs 2,038 crore in the fight against cybercrime.
How can individuals report cyber fraud?
Individuals can report cyber fraud by contacting the Cyber Crime Coordination Centre (I4C) through their helpline number 1930.
