Latest news with #NationalCybercrimeReportingPortal


Time of India
2 days ago
- Time of India
Cyberfraud syndicate that use illegal SIM boxes busted
Patna: The Economic Offences Unit (EOU) of Bihar Police, in collaboration with the department of telecommunications (Govt of India), on Wednesday busted a cyberfraud syndicate operating through illegal SIM boxes, used to operate a parallel exchange. The operation led to the seizure of four SIM box devices and arrest of one Mukesh Kumar from Narayanpur village in Bhojpur district. Acting on specific intelligence and technical surveillance, a special investigation team was formed under the additional director general of EOU and deputy inspector general (cybercrime) Sanjay Kumar. The operation was led by cyber DSP Pankaj Kumar. Sanjay Kumar said investigation revealed that the SIM boxes were used to operate a parallel exchange, converting international VOIP calls into local GSM calls illegally. "This facilitated cyberfrauds, originating from international scam hubs in countries like Cambodia and Thailand, target Indian citizens. Preliminary investigations suggest that thousands of fraudulent calls were made daily using these SIM boxes, causing significant revenue loss to the department of telecommunications worth crores of rupees, which is currently being assessed," the DIG said, further revealing that the operation requires a large number of illegal SIM cards. by Taboola by Taboola Sponsored Links Sponsored Links Promoted Links Promoted Links You May Like Villas For Sale in Dubai Might Surprise You Dubai villas | search ads Get Deals Undo The investigation also uncovered a network where SIM suppliers colluded with telecom service distributors. "Some common service centre operators misled the public by promising benefits from fake govt schemes, collecting biometric data, and using it to obtain SIM cards in bulk through telecom distributors and retailers. These SIM cards were then used for cyberfraud via SIM boxes," he said. The DIG added that the investigation has also identified other suspects and locations, which are currently being raided. The syndicate's exposure has linked it to several cases reported on National Cybercrime Reporting Portal across the country.


Hans India
3 days ago
- Hans India
Two held for duping man of Rs 3.75 lakh by offering online job
New Delhi: Two men have been arrested for allegedly duping a Delhi man of Rs 3.75 lakh on the pretext of offering a work-from-home job and laundering the proceeds via cryptocurrency, an official said on Monday. The accused, identified as Ahtisham (25) and Mukesh Luthra (29), ran an elaborate cyber fraud syndicate offering fake part-time jobs such as online product reviews to lure unsuspecting victims, he said. 'After building initial trust with small payouts, the victims were asked to undertake pre-paid tasks with the promise of higher returns, leading to continued investment and eventual financial loss,' Deputy Commissioner of Police (Southwest) Amit Goel said. The matter came to light when a complainant from Palam lodged a complaint on the National Cybercrime Reporting Portal on June 20. The complainant alleged that on June 18, he was approached by a woman on WhatsApp, offering him an online job involving website reviews, Goel said. Initially paid for completing minor tasks, the victim was later persuaded to invest money in pre-paid assignments, only to be repeatedly asked to deposit additional amounts under false pretenses. Eventually, he was defrauded of Rs 3.75 lakh. Based on the complaint, a case was registered. The subsequent investigation revealed that Rs 1 lakh of the defrauded amount was transferred to a private bank account registered in the name of Ahtisham. 'He later withdrew the amount using a cheque, and the transaction was verified through CCTV footage from the bank. Further investigation found that the account was operated by co-accused Mukesh Luthra alias Pankaj, who has a history of involvement in cyber frauds,' the DCP added. Mukesh Luthra allegedly routed the funds through multiple accounts and used the money for purchasing cryptocurrency, particularly USDT, to obscure the financial trail and avoid detection by enforcement agencies. Both the accused were arrested after raids were conducted for several days in Laxmi Nagar.


News18
4 days ago
- News18
Two held for duping Delhi man of Rs 3.75 lakh by offering online job
New Delhi, Jul 28 (PTI) Two men have been arrested for allegedly duping a Delhi man of Rs 3.75 lakh on the pretext of offering a work-from-home job and laundering the proceeds via cryptocurrency, an official said on Monday. The accused, identified as Ahtisham (25) and Mukesh Luthra (29), ran an elaborate cyber fraud syndicate offering fake part-time jobs such as online product reviews to lure unsuspecting victims, he said. 'After building initial trust with small payouts, the victims were asked to undertake pre-paid tasks with the promise of higher returns, leading to continued investment and eventual financial loss," Deputy Commissioner of Police (Southwest) Amit Goel said. The matter came to light when a complainant from Palam lodged a complaint on the National Cybercrime Reporting Portal on June 20. The complainant alleged that on June 18, he was approached by a woman on WhatsApp, offering him an online job involving website reviews, Goel said. Initially paid for completing minor tasks, the victim was later persuaded to invest money in pre-paid assignments, only to be repeatedly asked to deposit additional amounts under false pretenses. Eventually, he was defrauded of Rs 3.75 lakh. Based on the complaint, a case was registered. The subsequent investigation revealed that Rs 1 lakh of the defrauded amount was transferred to a private bank account registered in the name of Ahtisham. 'He later withdrew the amount using a cheque, and the transaction was verified through CCTV footage from the bank. Further investigation found that the account was operated by co-accused Mukesh Luthra alias Pankaj, who has a history of involvement in cyber frauds," the DCP added. Mukesh Luthra allegedly routed the funds through multiple accounts and used the money for purchasing cryptocurrency, particularly USDT, to obscure the financial trail and avoid detection by enforcement agencies. Both the accused were arrested after raids were conducted for several days in Laxmi Nagar. PTI SSJ SSJ RUK RUK view comments First Published: July 28, 2025, 17:30 IST Disclaimer: Comments reflect users' views, not News18's. Please keep discussions respectful and constructive. Abusive, defamatory, or illegal comments will be removed. News18 may disable any comment at its discretion. By posting, you agree to our Terms of Use and Privacy Policy.


Time of India
5 days ago
- Business
- Time of India
WhatsApp DP scam: CFO transfers over Rs 2 crore after 'MD' texts; Hyderabad Police reveal growing digital threat & what you should never do
In yet another case that exposes how deep fake identities and WhatsApp scams are running in India's corporate circles, the Hyderabad Cyber Crime police have arrested two men who allegedly impersonated a company's managing director (MD) on WhatsApp and cheated its Chief Financial Officer (CFO) out of Rs 1.94 crore. As reported by TOI, the arrested men, Ajay Sahu alias Ajju (20) from Datia district in Madhya Pradesh and Vaishna (26) from Agra district in Uttar Pradesh, were nabbed from Gwalior and Agra earlier this week. They were brought to Hyderabad on Friday, and two mobile phones used in the crime were seized. Explore courses from Top Institutes in Please select course: Select a Course Category MBA Management Digital Marketing Leadership Artificial Intelligence Data Analytics Data Science Data Science PGDM Finance Project Management Technology Operations Management Cybersecurity healthcare Design Thinking Degree MCA Healthcare Others others CXO Product Management Public Policy Skills you'll gain: Analytical Skills Financial Literacy Leadership and Management Skills Strategic Thinking Duration: 24 Months Vellore Institute of Technology VIT Online MBA Starts on Aug 14, 2024 Get Details Skills you'll gain: Financial Management Team Leadership & Collaboration Financial Reporting & Analysis Advocacy Strategies for Leadership Duration: 18 Months UMass Global Master of Business Administration (MBA) Starts on May 13, 2024 Get Details According to DCP D Kavitha, the CFO of an automobile dealership company received WhatsApp messages from an unknown number. The number had the display picture of the company's real MD, Sumanth, making it look authentic. Believing it to be his boss, the CFO started chatting with the fraudster. by Taboola by Taboola Sponsored Links Sponsored Links Promoted Links Promoted Links You May Like New Container Houses Indonesia (Prices May Surprise You) Container House | Search ads Search Now The impersonator claimed that urgent project funds were needed and shared a bank account number, instructing the CFO to transfer Rs 1.94 crore immediately. Trusting the request, the CFO made the transfer on July 8. It was only after informing the real MD via a phone call that he realised he had been duped. A complaint was promptly lodged on the National Cybercrime Reporting Portal, and a case was registered at the Cyber Crime police station the very next day, July 9, under Sections 66(C) and 66(D) of the IT Act, and Sections 111(2)(b), 318(4), and 319(2) of the Bharatiya Nyaya Sanhita. Live Events Investigations revealed a deeper racket. The accused duo used to sell current accounts for commission. Others involved in the ring would find images of MDs and CEOs online, create WhatsApp profiles using those photos, and then target employees, posing as their bosses. The stolen funds were routed through more than 60 bank accounts. Thanks to the CFO's swift reaction and timely police action, Rs 84 lakh was returned to the company's bank account, and Rs 15 lakh has been frozen in other accounts. The hunt is on for the remaining amount. Police advisory: 'Always double check' Hyderabad Police have urged the public to always verify any monetary request, even if it seems to come from a known authority, by confirming it through a voice call or in person. Victims of online fraud are advised to call the 24x7 helpline 1930 or report the incident at without delay. Inputs from TOI


Time of India
5 days ago
- Time of India
Two held from Gwalior, Agra for 1.94 cr WhatsApp DP fraud
Hyderabad: The Cyber Crime police of Hyderabad have arrested two men who allegedly duped a chief finance officer (CFO) of an automobile dealership company of 1.94 crore by posing as the company's managing director on WhatsApp. Tired of too many ads? go ad free now The accused, identified as Ajay Sahu alias Ajju, 20, of Seondha, Datia district, Madhya Pradesh, and Vaishna, 26, of Sikandra, Agra district, Uttar Pradesh, were arrested from Gwalior and Agra earlier this week and brought to the city on Friday. Two mobile phones used in the crime were seized from their possession. According to deputy commissioner of police (DCP) D Kavitha, the victim received WhatsApp messages from an unknown number whose display picture carried the photograph of his company's MD, Sumanth. Believing the account to be genuine, the CFO entered into a brief conversation. The impostor claimed urgent project funds were required and forwarded a bank account number, directing that 1.94 crore be transferred immediately. Trusting the request, the victim executed the transfer on July 8, only to realise later after calling the MD on his phone number to inform about the transfer that he had been duped. A complaint was lodged on the National Cybercrime Reporting Portal immediately and a case was registered at the Cyber Crime police station on July 9 under Sections 66 (C) and 66 (D) of the Information Technology (IT) Act and Sections 111(2)(b) (organized crime), 318(4) (cheating and dishonestly inducing delivery of property) and 319(2) (cheating by personation) of the Bharatiya Nyaya Sanhita (BNS). Investigators said the duo used to sell current accounts for money. Others search and select photos of MDs and CEOs online and contact employees impersonating as brass. Funds were funnelled through over 60 bank accounts. Due to quick response from the victim and police, 84 lakh was returned to the victim's bank account and 15 lakh has been held in bank accounts. Police were trying to trace rest of the money. Police urged public to verify any request for money, even when it appears to originate from a known superior through voice or in-person confirmation. Victims of online fraud were advised to call the 24×7 helpline '1930' or file a report at immediately.