Bettiah Police Crack Down on Cyberfraud Network, Arrest Key Operator
In a significant crackdown on cybercrime, Bettiah police have arrested a 32-year-old man for allegedly orchestrating a sophisticated cyberfraud racket. The accused, identified as Sandeep Kumar Gupta, was taken into custody following a targeted raid on his shop in Manglapur Bazar on Saturday.
Details of the Police Operation and Seizures
Acting on a specific tip-off, a special team from the Bettiah cyber police station, assisted by Nauthan police, conducted the search operation. During the raid, authorities recovered substantial evidence, including:
- 28 ATM cards
- 10 SIM cards
- 5 bank passbooks
- 4 cheque books
- 8 cellphones
Superintendent of Police Shaurya Suman confirmed that the operation was launched after receiving intelligence that Gupta was actively procuring bank accounts and SIM cards to route funds obtained through cyberfraud activities.
Modus Operandi of the Cyberfraud Racket
According to preliminary investigations, Gupta operated a systematic scheme where he would purchase bank accounts and SIM cards for amounts ranging between Rs 4,000 to Rs 5,000. These accounts, commonly referred to as mule accounts, were then used to receive fraudulently obtained funds.
The accused would allegedly retain a commission of 7-8% from the illicit transactions before transferring the remaining amounts to other accounts through ATM cash deposit machines. Police have traced transactions worth several lakh rupees in the suspected accounts, which have been linked to multiple cybercrime complaints registered across various jurisdictions.
Legal Proceedings and Ongoing Investigation
A formal case has been registered against Sandeep Kumar Gupta under relevant sections of law, and the accused has been remanded to judicial custody. The cyber police are now intensifying their probe to uncover the wider network associated with this racket.
Efforts are underway to identify and apprehend other individuals involved in the operation, as authorities believe this arrest represents just one node in a potentially larger criminal enterprise. The investigation aims to trace the complete money trail and establish connections with other cybercrime incidents.
This arrest highlights the growing challenge of cyberfraud in the region and demonstrates law enforcement's commitment to tackling financial crimes facilitated through digital means. The recovery of multiple banking instruments and communication devices suggests a well-organized operation that authorities have successfully disrupted.
