In a significant crackdown on digital fraud, the Bhubaneswar City Police on Sunday dismantled a major interstate cyber crime network, leading to the arrest of twelve individuals. The gang is accused of cheating victims across several states, with a notable focus on Bihar, West Bengal, and Kerala, through elaborate fake gift voucher and lottery schemes.
The Mastermind and the Modus Operandi
The operation was run for several months from the residence of a Bhubaneswar native, Debasish Tripathy, whom investigators have identified as the mastermind. Tripathy, a web graphic designer, utilized his technical expertise to create highly convincing counterfeit coupons and advertisements that successfully deceived hundreds of people, according to Police Commissioner S Dev Datta Singh.
The gang's method was systematic. They allegedly procured contact details of customers from various e-commerce platforms through agents. These potential victims were then sent physical courier packages containing scratch cards, lucky coupons, and gift vouchers. Each package prominently displayed phone numbers operated by the accused, instructing recipients to call for further instructions on claiming their 'prize'.
How Victims Were Lured and Duped
Many victims, enticed by promises of a massive cash reward ranging from Rs 10 to 15 lakhs, scratched the cards and were led to believe they had won. Upon contacting the provided numbers, they were instructed to deposit nearly 10% of the supposed reward amount as a "processing fee." "Many fell prey to the scam, transferring money in hopes of receiving the prize," Commissioner Singh revealed.
To widen their net, the gang aggressively posted advertisements on popular social media platforms. These ads promoted instant loans and additional lottery schemes, specifically targeting vulnerable users and adding a new dimension to their fraudulent activities.
The Breakthrough and Arrests
The police breakthrough came after they received crucial technical intelligence from the National Cyber Crime Reporting Portal. This data was instrumental in tracing the network's extensive activities and pinpointing its members. The subsequent raids led to the arrest of the twelve accused.
The composition of the arrested gang highlights its interstate nature:
- Seven individuals are from Bihar
- Four are from Kerala
- One is the Bhubaneswar-based mastermind, Debasish Tripathy
This bust underscores the growing threat of sophisticated cyber fraud schemes that exploit digital tools and social engineering. It also highlights the effectiveness of coordinated efforts using national cyber crime resources to track and apprehend such networks operating across state borders.
