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Rs 157.90 crore cyber crime fraud committed across India: Gurugram Police

Gurugram Police

“Cybercriminals used fake investments, online loans and impersonation to defraud thousands of people across India Gurugram Police busts cybercrime syndicate behind Rs 157.90 crore fraud, arrests 27 accused” On 24 February 2025, the Gurugram Police said that their cybercrime squads had apprehended 27 persons, including a young cybercriminal who had scammed people in 14,633 complaints totalling Rs 157.90 crore nationwide. The Indian Cyber Crime Coordinate Center (I4C) provided the police with data from 17 cell phones and three SIM cards recovered from the accused. The police said the data showed that the accused were involved in approximately Rs 157.90 crore in fraud and that 14,633 complaints had been filed against them throughout India. Out of 14,633 complaints, 611 were turned into cases in this regard, and they were filed all over India. Out of 611 cases filed against them in Haryana, 28 were filed against them—four of which were in Gurugram. Before the salutes, the accused disclosed that they had previously engaged in task-based fraud, digital arrest, investment fraud, KYC fraud, and fraud involving the creation of fictitious IDs on Instagram and defrauding people. The investigative teams found three SIM cards, two debit cards, and seven cell phones in the accused’s hands. Priyanshu Diwan, ACP (South), stated, “The accused used to defraud people in the name of investing in the stock market, loans made online, and offered lucrative offers to the victims and duped them.” He claimed that to combat these scams, the Gurugram police are collaborating closely with various organizations and institutions. Gurugram Police on to say, “We urged the public to avoid such suspicious callers and to exercise caution when disclosing personal information to strangers who are stalking them online.” “The cybercriminals commit fraud by enticing people with good profits, investing in the stock market, lowering electricity bills, extorting through video calls on WhatsApp, morphing, sending links through various means, posing as a customs officer or police officer to implicate false charges, issuing a No-Objection Certificate, digitally arresting people by demonstrating the fear of implicating them in a criminal case, etc.,” he said.

Youtuber Ankush Bahuguna shares 40-hour digital arrest scam ordeal urges vigilance

digital arrest

January 6, 2025: Popular content creator Ankush Bahuguna recently revealed a harrowing 40-hour ordeal in which he was held in a “digital arrest” by cybercriminals. In a deeply emotional video shared on Instagram, Ankush recounted how scammers isolated him from friends and family, coerced him into performing suspicious financial transactions, and manipulated him through fear and threats. The ordeal began with a seemingly harmless automated call about a suspicious package linked to his name. Following instructions, he pressed a button for customer support, unknowingly falling into an elaborate scam trap. A fake official on the call claimed the package contained illegal substances bound for China and an digital arrest warrant had been issued in his name. Isolation and Manipulation Panicked, Ankush was connected to someone posing as a law enforcement officer. This person accused him of money laundering, drug trafficking, and being involved in serious crimes. He was then placed under so-called “self-custody,” isolating him entirely from the outside world. For 40 hours, Ankush was kept on a continuous video call, and forbidden from answering messages, picking up calls, or contacting anyone. Under duress, he was forced to share sensitive information, perform bank transactions, and follow every instruction the scammers gave. “I was crying and begging, but they kept me on the call. They convinced me my career would be destroyed, my family was in danger, and I would face abuse if I didn’t comply,” Ankush shared, visibly shaken. Friends and Family Intervene Ankush’s family and friends grew suspicious of his erratic behavior throughout the ordeal. His sister’s persistent messages finally reached him, revealing that such “digital arrests” are a common scam. Realizing the truth, Ankush broke free from the scammers’ grip and reconnected with his family. “I’m so grateful for my friends’ instincts. If they hadn’t acted quickly, I might still be trapped in that nightmare,” he admitted. A Warning to All Ankush urged his followers to be cautious of such scams and never engage with suspicious calls or share sensitive information online. “The thing with these digital arrest is, if you believe one lie, they tell ten more, each scarier than the last. Please be vigilant and report such incidents immediately,” he concluded. This incident highlights the growing sophistication of cyber scams and serves as a stark warning about individuals’ vulnerabilities in an increasingly digital world.