Bihar Man Arrested for Supplying SIM Cards to Cybercriminals in Jharkhand Fraud Case
The Criminal Investigation Department (CID) announced on Wednesday that a person has been arrested from the Kamtaul police station limits in Darbhanga district, Bihar. The arrest was made on charges of illegally providing SIM cards to cybercriminals, who used them to cheat an elderly individual from Ramgarh district in Jharkhand of approximately Rs 10 lakh.
Details of the Arrest and Evidence Seized
The arrested accused has been identified as Suraj Kumar Choudhary. According to the CID, authorities have seized the SIM card and mobile phone used in the crime, along with other digital evidence from him. This seizure is part of an ongoing investigation into the cyber fraud case.
Case Registration and Legal Framework
A case was registered with the CID’s cybercrime police station in Ranchi on February 25. The complaint was filed under the Bhartiya Naya Sanhita and the Information Technology Act. The CID emphasized the seriousness of the offense, highlighting the legal actions being taken against such cybercrimes.
Modus Operandi of the Cybercriminals
According to the complaint, the cybercriminals posed as enforcement agency officers and called the victim. They used various threats to coerce him into transferring amounts totaling Rs 10 lakh to different bank accounts. This tactic is a common method employed by fraudsters to exploit vulnerable individuals, particularly the elderly.
Past Involvement and Ongoing Investigation
The CID revealed that the accused, Suraj Kumar Choudhary, has been involved in similar acts in the past. Further investigation is currently underway to identify other members of the gang and arrest them. The sleuths are working diligently to uncover the full extent of the criminal network and prevent future incidents.
CID Advisory to the Public
In light of this case, the CID issued a strong advisory to the public. They urged people not to transfer money whenever an unknown person calls, emphasizing that no government agency demands money over phone or video calls or digitally arrests anyone. The CID advised that in case of cyber fraud, victims should immediately inform the helpline number 1930 or send a complaint to cybercrime.gov.in.
Preventive Measures and Public Awareness
The CID stressed the importance of public awareness in combating cybercrime. They recommended the following steps to avoid falling victim to such scams:
- Always verify the identity of callers claiming to be from government agencies.
- Never share personal or financial information over the phone.
- Report suspicious calls or messages to authorities promptly.
- Educate family members, especially the elderly, about common cyber fraud tactics.
This arrest underscores the ongoing efforts by law enforcement agencies to crack down on cybercrime and protect citizens from financial exploitation. The CID continues to investigate the case to ensure all perpetrators are brought to justice.
