Delhi Police Cracks Down on Online Fraud Networks, Makes Multiple Arrests
In a significant crackdown on digital financial crimes, the Delhi Police has apprehended seven individuals allegedly involved in sophisticated online scams. The arrests span three distinct cases, uncovering operations that utilized mule bank accounts, forged documents, and international networks to defraud victims.
Lottery Scam Gang Busted, Railway Clerk Among Victims
The first case involves a trio arrested for orchestrating a lottery-winning deception scheme. The gang operated a parallel racket creating and selling bank accounts using counterfeit documents. A notable victim was a 59-year-old senior clerk from Indian Railways, who lost Rs 60,000 after responding to a fraudulent online lottery advertisement promising prizes up to Rs 11 crore with tickets costing Rs 500.
He was later informed of a Rs 10 lakh win and coerced into paying purported income tax and processing fees, leading to the financial loss. The accused have been identified as Deepanshu (27), his 42-year-old aunt, and accomplice Chandu Sharma (27).
Deepanshu, who holds a digital marketing course certificate, was engaged in purchasing and reselling bank accounts and SIM cards. He reportedly bought the account used in this fraud for Rs 5,000 and sold it for Rs 20,000, according to DCP (North) Raja Banthia.
Police revealed that the accused targeted vulnerable individuals such as laborers, low-income workers, and liquor shop customers. Posing as bank representatives, they charged Rs 5,000 per account to use personal credentials for opening bank accounts, with at least 10 accounts established through this method.
Fake Digital Payment Employee Arrested After Multiple Complaints
In a separate incident, Sunny Kumar was arrested for impersonating a digital payment service provider employee. DCP (East) Rajeev Kumar stated that a shopkeeper filed a complaint alleging the accused visited his store under the guise of inspecting a faulty payment sound box.
During the visit, Kumar accessed the shopkeeper's phone to remove the SIM card and illicitly withdrew Rs 13,500 from his account. Investigations uncovered multiple similar complaints against him, indicating a pattern of fraudulent activities.
International Cyber Fraud Racket Uncovered in East Delhi
The third case involved the dismantling of a cyber fraud operation in east Delhi that utilized mule bank accounts to launder cheated funds. Three individuals, including a bank employee, were arrested in connection with this racket.
Investigations exposed a broader international network, where the accused shared bank account details with foreign handlers. Payments were processed using cryptocurrency, specifically USDT, while APK-based tools were employed to access OTPs and remotely control accounts, facilitating the diversion of stolen money.
These arrests highlight the evolving tactics of cybercriminals and the ongoing efforts by law enforcement to combat online financial fraud in the capital region.
