Delhi Police Crack Down on Cyber Fraud Syndicates in Major Operation
In a significant crackdown on cybercrime, Delhi Police have successfully dismantled multiple inter-state cyber and financial fraud syndicates as part of Operation Cy-Hawk-04 in the South-West district. This large-scale operation, spearheaded by the Cyber Police Station with support from various district units, has led to the arrest of 113 accused across 57 cases, marking a major victory in the fight against digital fraud.
Extensive Fraud Network Uncovered
Investigators have linked 303 complaints registered on the National Cybercrime Reporting Portal (NCRP) to mule bank accounts and mobile networks utilized by the fraudsters. The operation has uncovered a staggering fraud trail exceeding Rs 22 crore. As part of the crackdown, police managed to freeze approximately Rs 17 lakh in beneficiary accounts and recovered substantial assets, including cash, luxury vehicles, digital devices, and forged documents during coordinated raids.
Fake Air Ticket Scam Targeting NRIs
One of the key cases involved a syndicate that specifically targeted Non-Resident Indians (NRIs) through fake online travel bookings. The accused allegedly lured victims via social media platforms, such as an Instagram page posing as a legitimate ticketing service, offering discounted international flight bookings. DCP (South West) Amit Goel stated, "A complainant was cheated of Rs 3.8 lakh while attempting to book tickets for his Canada-based brother." The investigation traced this operation to a network spanning Delhi, Goa, and Mumbai.
The alleged mastermind, identified as Mridul Joshi, operated a fake call centre and used mule bank accounts to siphon off funds. Four individuals were arrested in this case, with seizures including Rs 47 lakh in cash, a Mercedes S-Class car, mobile phones, laptops, SIM cards, and various banking instruments. Police revealed that the syndicate had routed transactions worth over Rs 43 lakh through accounts linked to multiple victims.
Transnational Fake Loan App Syndicate Busted
In another breakthrough, police unearthed a transnational fake loan app syndicate, leading to the arrest of six accused. This gang allegedly employed mule accounts and UPI IDs to collect money from victims and was found to be in contact with foreign handlers using virtual numbers from Pakistan and Bangladesh. The accused reportedly extorted victims by accessing their personal data and threatening to circulate morphed images, adding a layer of intimidation to their fraudulent activities.
Technical Surveillance and Widespread Investigation
The operation involved extensive technical surveillance, analysis of digital footprints, financial trails, and coordination with service providers. A total of 488 individuals were rounded up for questioning, while notices were issued to over 160 people linked to the financial chain of the fraud networks. Officials added that 23 fresh FIRs have been registered, and several ongoing investigations have received crucial leads, indicating the depth and complexity of these cyber fraud operations.
Further arrests and recoveries are expected as police continue to probe the wider interstate and international links of the cyber fraud syndicates. This crackdown underscores the growing threat of cybercrime and the proactive measures being taken by law enforcement to safeguard citizens from such sophisticated scams.
