How Was a Cyber Fraud Racket in Chh’garh Uncovered?

Synopsis
Key Takeaways
- Chhattisgarh police have dismantled a major cyber fraud syndicate.
- The fraud involved over Rs 10 crore in illicit transactions.
- Suspects used shell companies and impersonation tactics.
- Public is urged to report suspicious calls to 1930.
- Investigation is ongoing to identify additional suspects.
Bhopal, July 7 (NationPress) In a significant victory against cybercrime, the Dantewada police in Chhattisgarh have successfully dismantled an interstate fraud operation that has allegedly deceived individuals of more than Rs 10 crore through a complex "digital arrest" scheme.
The latest apprehensions occurred recently in Palghar, Maharashtra, where two primary suspects, Arpit Singh (25) and Suraj Chauhan (23), both from Nalasopara East, Mumbai, were taken into custody, as reported by police officials.
The duo is said to have created shell companies and opened numerous bank accounts to illegally divert funds. This comes after an earlier operation where three individuals were detained in Jamnagar, Gujarat, linked to the same fraudulent activities.
All five suspects are suspected to be part of a broader network that employed threats, impersonation of law enforcement officials, and counterfeit documents to extort money from unsuspecting victims.
The investigation was initiated following a complaint from an NMDC employee in Kirandul, who reported being defrauded of Rs 28 lakh.
On May 30, the victim received a WhatsApp call from someone alleging that a bank account had been opened in his name in Mumbai for illicit transactions. The caller, impersonating a law enforcement officer, threatened the victim with arrest under money laundering accusations and coerced him into transferring Rs 28 lakh to "settle" the case.
Upon realizing the scam, the victim promptly lodged a complaint at the Kirandul police station, prompting a rapid investigation, according to the officer.
The suspects reportedly utilized shell companies to launder the extorted funds. During the police raids, two mobile phones, eleven cheque books, eight ATM cards, three PAN cards, a company seal, and documents related to the fraudulent company’s registration were seized.
Only Rs 1 lakh in cash was recovered, indicating that a large portion of the money may have been funneled through complex transactions or converted into cryptocurrency.
The case has been filed under Section 318(4) of the Bharatiya Nyaya Sanhita and Section 66(D) of the IT Act.
Authorities are broadening their investigation to identify additional suspects who are believed to be operating from various locations in Maharashtra and potentially beyond.
The Enforcement Directorate has also been notified, given the extensive nature and financial intricacies of the fraud.
The Dantewada police are advising the public to stay alert against such scams and report any suspicious calls or financial solicitations to the cybercrime helpline 1930 immediately.