the cyber shark Archives - Page 15 of 18

Rs 157.90 crore cyber crime fraud committed across India: 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.

Private bank employee among two held in Rs 4.97 crore cyber fraud case in Gurugram

“Gurugram Police Detain Two, Including IndusInd Bank Manager, in Rs 4.97 Crore Cyber Fraud; 27 Bank Employees Arrested in Related Cases” In a case involving a Rs 4.97 crore cyber fraud, the Gurugram police have detained two individuals, one of whom is the business development manager of the Delhi branch of IndusInd Bank. Profitable stock market returns were guaranteed by the accused. The bank employee who was arrested was accused of helping cybercriminals obtain bank accounts. In several cyber fraud cases, the Gurugram police have so far detained 27 bank personnel. According to the police, a case was filed at the Cyber Crime East police station under the appropriate sections after a report about a Rs 4.97 crore cyber fraud was received on November 30 of last year. Avinash Sharma, a resident of Delhi’s Rani Bagh, and Aditya Chaturvedi, an Uttar Pradesh native, were taken into custody by a squad of cyber police as they were looking into the issue. Aditya has spent the previous two years at Delhi’s IndusInd Bank as a business development manager. The police investigation found that the fraud was committed using Avinash’s bank account. Aditya had received Rs 25,000 from Avinash for the bank account. While Aditya was employed at the bank, he met someone else who had tricked him into giving Rs 50,000 for a current account and Rs 10,000 for a savings bank account with Rs 4.97 crore cyber fraud. Aditya would then provide Avinash access to the bank account information. The same bank account, which belongs to Avinash Sharma, has been the subject of 12 complaints in the states of Tamil Nadu, Madhya Pradesh, Chhattisgarh, Karnataka, Kerala, Assam, Maharashtra, and Jammu and Kashmir. “We are interrogating the defendant,” Priyanshu Dewan, ACP (Cyber), stated. However, the cyber police detained someone for giving a bank account to a man who was engaged in cybercrime. Raju, a resident of Rajasthan’s Kedar Colony in Ganganagar, has been identified as the accused.

Myawaddy Scam Valley: 2,000 Indians working in Myanmar’s Cybercrime network.

Thousands of Indians Tricked into Cyber Scams in Myanmar’s Myawaddy Scam Valley, A Militia-Controlled Region, Authorities Warn of Legal Repercussions In Myawaddy Scam Valley, a militia-controlled area close to the Myanmar-Thailand border, about 2,000 Indians are currently engaged in cyber scam activities. Many of them were allegedly tricked by phoney job offers and are now being compelled to conduct online fraud against victims in the US and India. Authorities warn that although some people have been saved, the scam’s scope is far more than first thought. The Indian embassy has warned that individuals who intentionally engage in these frauds will be subject to legal repercussions, even as it works to remove the impacted citizens. Myawaddy Scam Valley Indian officials have warned that to avoid falling into similar traps, job seekers should confirm employment offers in Thailand, Laos, Cambodia, and Myanmar. Workers in Myawaddy Scam Valley , a militia-controlled area close to the Myanmar-Thailand border, are forced under coercion to participate in internet fraud schemes, making it a key hub for cybercrime. Many victims are enticed by fictitious job promises and end themselves stuck in scam centres, unable to leave until they pay large ransoms. Although attempts to intervene have been hampered by the anarchic character of the area, Indian consular personnel are making an effort to evacuate individuals in need. In response to international criticism, Thai authorities have shut off fuel, electricity, and internet in strategic locations where these operations are taking place. Additionally, China has called on Thailand to crack down on the international power networks that support these scam syndicates. The crisis still exists despite these actions. Even though at least 150 Indians have been named as victims, investigators think the true number is much higher because many of them are allegedly working freely and have not reported the incident to the police. Three Indians escaped from a scam centre in Myawaddy on February 18 and arrived in Yangon with the help of the embassy. They are currently undergoing repatriation processing. Large-scale rescue efforts are still challenging, although, because of the instability in the area. More than 600 Indians have been saved from scam networks in Thailand, Laos, Cambodia, and Myanmar since June 2022, underscoring the continued danger for job seekers in the area.

Gujarat Budget 2025-26: Rs 352 crore push to check cyber crime

Gujarat Budget 2025-26: Rs 352 crore push to check cybercrime and Cyber Centre of Excellence, Anti-Narcotics Task Force to be set up in Gujarat GANDHINAGAR: On 20 February 2025, the Gujarat government stated that it would establish an anti-narcotics task force (ANTF) and a cyber centre of excellence for cybercrime (CCECC) to create a robust framework to combat the exponential increase in drug-peddling and cybercrime cases. Finance Minister Kanu Desai stated that Rs 352 crore had been set up for these projects in the state’s 2025–2026 budget. “A state-level CCECC and cyber forensic units (CFU) will be established, with an emphasis on law enforcement and cyber security. To take tough measures against drug trafficking, an ATF operative team would be established, Desai stated. In his budget speech, he also mentioned that the government intends to hire 14,000 SRP members and establish 1,390 new traffic police positions. Desai stated that Rs 299 crore has been allocated for 1,186 posts under the CCECC, out of a total of Rs 12,659 crore for the home department. At the state level, the centre will deal with topics including cyber security and cyber intelligence. and Rs 352 crore push to check cybercrime The ANTF was given a budget of Rs 23 crore, and each district was given Rs 30 crore to establish Cyber Forensic Units (CFUs). The finance minister stated that the acquisition of equipment for specialized squads such as the Chetak commandos, the state disaster response force, the quick reaction team, and the bomb detection and disposal squad (BDDS) will cost approximately Rs 63 crore.

Rs 850 crore Ponzi scheme busted: Two arrested in Falcon Invoice Discounting fraud

The Economic Offences Wing (EOW) of Cyberabad has arrested two individuals linked to an Rs 850 crore Ponzi scheme operated through the Falcon Invoice Discounting Platform. The scam promised 11-12% annual returns with investment maturity within 45 to 180 days. Investors Credited amounts ranging from Rs 25,000 to Rs 9 lakh, believing they were funding legal invoice discounting services. However, the platform fabricated vendor profiles and created fake deals to mislead investors. Authorities arrested Pavan Kumar Odela, Vice-President of Capital Protection Force Pvt Ltd & Business Head of Falcon Invoice Discounting Platform, and Kavya Nalluri, Director of Capital Protection Force Pvt Ltd & Falcon Capital Ventures Pvt Ltd, on February 15. The primary accused—Amardeep Kumar (MD, Falcon Capital Ventures Pvt Ltd), Aryan Singh (COO), and Yogender Singh (CEO)—are absconding, along with 17 other suspects. Rs 1,700 Crore Collected, Rs 850 Crore Unpaid The Ponzi scheme, operating since 2021, amassed Rs 1,700 crore, of which Rs 850 crore was repaid to early investors, while another Rs 850 crore remains unpaid to 6,979 collectors across India. The Ponzi scheme collapsed on 15 January, leading to complaints from defrauded investors. Authorities discovered funds were misappropriated to establish multiple ventures, including a cryptocurrency platform, luxury hospitality, multi-level marketing, private charter services, and real estate investments. Legal Action & Warning to Investors A case has been registered under Sections 316(2), 318(4), 61(2) of Bharatiya Nyaya Sanhita (BNS) and Section 5 of the Telangana State Protection of Depositors of Financial Establishment Act, 1999. The Cyberabad police urged the public to exercise caution before investing in high-return schemes and advised investors to verify financial firms’ legitimacy through SEBI and RBI. The investigation continues to track the absconding suspects and recover funds.

Cyber fraud cost Haryana residents Rs 72.84 crore in January, according to police.

In their guidance on coping with various frauds, including “digital arrests,” the Haryana police state that the first six hours are critical if one becomes a victim of cyber fraud. According to the police, Haryana residents lost Rs 72.84 crore to cyber fruad theft in January this year. This is Rs 14 crore less than the Rs 86.18 crore cybercriminals stole from individuals in January 2024. The police say their awareness campaigns were responsible for the 433 extra cybercriminals they detained in January this year compared to January 2024. The Haryana Police’s prompt action has also resulted in a large increase in the money saved from cybercriminals in January 2025 compared to January 2024. The Haryana Police took tough measures against cyber fruad criminals, and in January 2025, they apprehended four times as many offenders. 571 offenders have been apprehended this year (130 from Haryana and 441 from other states), compared to 138 cybercriminals who were detained in January 2024, DGP Shatrujeet Kapur said in a statement. Issuing an appeal to the public, DGP Kapur said, “In this era of technology, most people are active on online platforms. If anyone calls and introduces themselves as an officer of the CBI, ED, or police and talks about the digital arrest, be immediately alert because no investigating agency does this kind of thing. People should not fall into the trap of fake share trading being broadcast on social media platforms. Before investing, be sure to officially confirm the company and website. “Additionally, people should not answer WhatsApp video and audio calls coming from abroad, especially from Cambodia, Pakistan, Sri Lanka, etc. They should be cautious of fake advertisements appearing on Telegram and Google. The Haryana Police is continuously running awareness campaigns on print and social media to educate the public about the methods adopted by cybercriminals. The only way to avoid cybercrime is through caution and vigilance, so people should be vigilant and contact helpline number 1930 immediately if there is any apprehension of cybercrime.” “The Haryana Police, which was at the 23rd position in the country in September 2023 in terms of the rate of blocked amounts in cyber fraud, has now reached the first position. The rate of blocked amounts in cyber fraud and the recovery being done by the cyber police stations, which was seven per cent of the defrauded amount in September 2023, increased to 36 per cent in December 2024, the highest in the country. If a complainant files a complaint within six hours of cyber fraud, up to 70 per cent of the defrauded amount is blocked. It is the highest success rate in the entire country,” DGP Kapur further said in the statement. Union Home Minister Amit Shah honoured the police on September 10, 2024, for efficiently implementing the cyber fruad helpline 1930. Amount saved from cyber fraud 2023 – Rs 76.85 crore 2024 – Rs 268.40 crore FIRs registered against cyber fraud 2023 – 2747 2024 – 5511 Cyber scammers arrested 2022 – 1078 2023 – 1909 2024 – 5156 Out of 5,156 cyber scammers arrested in 2024, 70% (3,555 accused) were residents of other states. The total number of arrests also averaged 14 per day in 2024. The defrauded amount was refunded to the victims 2023 – Rs 33 crore 2024 – Rs 95.45 crore

Bengal Police busts Jamtara cyber scam, 46 arrested in statewide crackdown

Bengal Police busts Jamtara cyber scam The West Bengal Police, in collaboration with the Cyber Crime Wing (CCW), conducted multiple raids across various locations, leading to the arrest of 46 individuals involved in financial scams and cyber fraud. The 15-day-long operation targeted cybercriminal networks operating along the Jharkhand-West Bengal border. Cyber Shakti Operation is launched in West Bengal to curb cyber crime under the leadership of DIG Cyber Crime West Bengal Amitkumar Rathod. Targeted Raids and Key Locations Recognizing Jamtara as a cybercrime hub, the first raid was carried out in Khoyrasol, Birbhum, followed by operations in Chandannagar, ADPC, Purba Burdwan, and Hooghly. These raids focused on dismantling networks engaged in online financial scams, digital extortion, fake SIM card trading, and other cyber frauds. Seized Items and Fraudulent Activities During the operation, authorities seized: Rs 4,50,000 in cash 84 SIM cards 84 mobile phones 19 debit cards 02 laptops 29 bank accounts linked to fraud cases The arrested individuals were part of organized cybercrime networks defrauding victims through fake investment schemes, OTP frauds, sextortion, online job scams, gas subsidy frauds, UPI frauds, and digital impersonation. Ongoing Investigation and Commitment to Justice The Bengal Police arrested suspects are in custody, and investigations continue to uncover additional perpetrators and dismantle the larger cyber fraud nexus. This operation underscores West Bengal Police’s commitment to curbing cybercrime and protecting citizens from digital fraud.

Mira Bhayandar: MBVV Police Recover ₹3.54 Lakh Lost To Cyber Frauds

In the first case, the MBVV police cyber cell received a complaint from a resident that he had fallen prey to the evil designs of cyber criminals who posed as representatives of a banking institution and cheated him of Rs 72,511 under the guise of helping him clear obstacles he was facing while using his credit card. Officials from the cyber cell attached to the Mira Bhayandar-Vasai Virar MBVV police successfully managed to make collective reversals amounting to more than Rs 3.54 lakh which three people had lost to online frauds. In the first case, the cyber cell received a complaint from a resident that he had fallen prey to the evil designs of cyber criminals who posed as representatives of a banking institution and cheated him of Rs 72,511 under the guise of helping him clear obstacles he was facing while using his credit card. While the second complainant identified as Mr. Chauhan lost more than Rs 1.47 lakh after he clicked a malicious link sent by the cybercrooks, another person Shashi Pal was cheated of more than Rs 1.35 lakh with a lure of earning money by participating in online tasks including posting likes, reviews on YouTube videos and online rating to hotels/movies. Immediately after receiving the complaints, personnel from the cyber cell led by police inspector Sujitkumar Gunjkar started investigations and identified the bank accounts and e-commerce shopping portals in which the ill-gotten wealth had been parked. After continuous follow-ups with the concerned banks and the gateway of the digital platform that provided payment solutions, they managed to freeze Rs 72,511 and Rs 1.47 lakh respectively. The amount was reversed to the bank accounts of the complainants’ account following orders from the Judicial Magistrate First Class (JMFC), Thane. The MBVV police cyber cell handed over symbolic cheques to the complainants confirming the reversals. With the latest recoveries, the MBVV police have managed to revert more than Rs.1 crore lost by complainants in various cases of cyber-frauds in the past couple of months. Stressing the need to be careful while dealing with unknown callers/senders and to lodge complaints as soon as possible (Golden Hour), MBVV police commissioner Madhukar Pandey said that people can contact the local police stations or directly approach or call the cybercrime cell on 1930 with an additional option of reporting online frauds through email at www.cybercrime.gov.in or on the National Cyber Crime Reporting Portal (NCCRP)

Coimbatore doctor cheated of ₹15 lahks in online trading scam

A Coimbatore doctor lost ₹15.50 lakh in a cyber scam after clicking a YouTube link. He was lured into a WhatsApp group with fraudulent trading tips and installed a deceptive app. Investigations are ongoing, highlighting the need for public vigilance against online investment fraud. A doctor from Coimbatore doctor has fallen victim to a sophisticated cyber scam, losing a staggering ₹15.50 lakh after clicking on a seemingly harmless YouTube link between December 2024 and January 2025. The fraud highlights the growing menace of online investment traps. Dr Karthik, an active stock market investor with a Demat account, was browsing investment-related content on YouTube when he stumbled upon a link promising exclusive trading insights. Upon clicking it, he was unwittingly added to a WhatsApp group named “49 Upstocks Wealth Group,” where supposed trading experts shared lucrative stock market tips, the publication added. According to the report, Coimbatore doctor Dr Karthik was persuaded by the group’s seemingly credible discussions and expressed interest in their investment scheme. Subsequently, the fraudsters instructed the Coimbatore doctor to download a trading application called “UP Institutions” via a link provided by the group. Trusting the group’s recommendations, the Coimbatore doctor installed the app on 31 December 2024 and, over the following weeks, transferred a total of ₹15.50 lakh in nine instalments Reportedly, the app initially displayed an impressive balance of ₹25.86 lakh, leading Dr Karthik to believe his investments were flourishing. However, his confidence quickly crumbled when he attempted to withdraw his earnings, only to find himself locked out of the platform. It was then that he realised he had fallen prey to an elaborate scam. Upon complaining, the cybercrime police registered a case under the relevant provisions of the Bharatiya Nyaya Sanhita and the Information Technology Act. Investigations are now underway to trace the fraudsters and recover the lost funds. Authorities continue to warn the public against such deceptive schemes. If you receive unsolicited investment links or are added to suspicious WhatsApp groups, it is advisable to report and block them immediately. In the unfortunate event of falling victim to such a scam, swift action by reporting to the police can increase the chances of tracking transactions and reclaiming lost money. Online investment scams are on the rise, and vigilance remains the best defence against financial fraud. Always verify the authenticity of trading platforms and refrain from making transactions based on unsolicited advice from unknown sources.

Cybercriminals’ New Scam: Targeting Porn Viewers

Cybercriminals New Scam: Targeting Porn Viewers have devised a new tactic to trap people. The fraudsters are using fake emails and phone calls in the name of the CBI (Central Bureau of Investigation) to intimidate their victims. Cybercriminals have devised a new tactic to trap people. They are using fake emails and phone calls in the name of the CBI (Central Bureau of Investigation) to intimidate victims. Posing as CBI officers, they claim that a person’s Google history reveals excessive pornography consumption and that an arrest warrant is being issued. To avoid arrest, victims are pressured into paying the sums demanded by these criminals. The fake email IDs the criminals use closely resemble those of the CBI and the police. When the victim realises what’s happening, the money has already been withdrawn from their bank account. Data Leaks Through Multiple Avenues Data breaches occur at multiple levels. If you have accessed your ID on another computer or mobile device or logged into a website using Google Mail, you risk data leakage. Possible Countermeasures Immediately report for Targeting Porn Viewers the cyber fraud by calling 1930. Immediately file a complaint on the National Cyber Crime Portal. This portal requires information to be filled in various categories, including financial fraud, women-child-related fraud, and others. File a report at the local cyber crime police station. Case 1: An individual receives a CBI email tracing Google history that claims excessive pornography consumption Targeting Porn Viewers. A PDF attachment with a warrant is included, bearing a stamp resembling that of a government office. The individual is instructed to appear at an office in Delhi. Case 2: A shopkeeper receives a phone call from someone claiming to be an intelligence inspector. The caller states that the mobile history reveals consistent pornography viewing Targeting Porn Viewers, threatening legal consequences and demanding an appearance in a Delhi court. Expert View Cybercriminals send numerous phishing emails simultaneously, and two or three out of a hundred people fall prey. They mostly target older people who lack technological knowledge. When a cyber fraud trend is exposed, cybercriminals change their tactics every six months to a year.

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