A sophisticated network of cyber fraudsters, linked to a Chinese gang, has been uncovered. Targeting Hindi-speaking victims, the gang would lure individuals with promises of jobs, bringing them to Cambodia for training. Once trained, these individuals facilitated large-scale banking fraud in India by purchasing accounts. Recently, Haryana's Palwal cybercrime team took decisive action, apprehending 11 fraudsters, revealing the involvement of Chinese nationals.
The case came to light on October 23 when Anil from Palwal filed a complaint with the police. On October 19, Anil received a call from fraudsters posing as CBI officers, threatening arrest under false accusations of money laundering. Subsequently, Anil was 'digitally arrested' for 72 hours, during which 8.8 million rupees were extracted under the guise of an investigation.
Investigations led police to arrest 11 accused in Uttar Pradesh and Madhya Pradesh, including Ashwani alias Lucy, Sonu Kumar Paswan, Rajat Verma, Utkarsh, Avish, Neeraj Kumar, Sanjeev Kumar, and Shivaji Maurya from Uttar Pradesh, as well as Manoj, Sachin Upadhyay, and Yash Dubey from Madhya Pradesh.
What Did DSP Say?
According to DSP Palwal Vishal Kumar, the involvement of Chinese nationals has been confirmed. They deceive Indian citizens into selling their bank accounts and lure them to Cambodia under fraudulent job pretenses for training in fraud. The funds swindled are channelled back to China through handlers. Investigations show repeated travel by the accused to China, Cambodia, Vietnam, Nepal, and Dubai, primarily targeting Hindi-speaking regions. Of the 11 apprehended individuals, seven are currently in police custody for questioning.
Read more: Where do fraudsters acquire the numbers they use to call? After taking action against the accused, the cyber team reveals the story.
From the accused, police recovered 31 mobile phones, five ATM cards, eight chequebooks, cash, and four vehicles, including Honda City, Tata Safari, and two Ciaz cars. Additionally, a large volume of counterfeit SIM cards was found.
Across the country, this racket has led to 101 registered complaints and FIRs. The fraudsters have orchestrated scams amounting to nearly 700 million rupees so far. Citizens are urged to report any incident of cyber fraud immediately to the National Cyber Helpline number 1930 to prevent further scams.
