In a major crackdown on digital crime, the Delhi Police has successfully dismantled a sprawling interstate syndicate responsible for a massive cyber fraud estimated at Rs 16 crore. The coordinated operation, spanning several weeks, culminated in the arrest of nine individuals from multiple states across India.
The Investigation and the Money Trail
The case came to light on September 12 following a formal complaint about an investment fraud. The victim reported being approached on a social media platform with promises of high and assured returns. After investing a significant amount, the individual realized it was a scam.
Investigators from the Delhi Police initiated a detailed technical analysis to track the flow of the stolen funds. DCP (West) Darade Sharad Bhaskar stated that transaction screenshots provided by the complainant revealed the defrauded money was moved through a complex web of beneficiary accounts. A startling discovery followed: these same accounts were linked to 286 complaints on the National Cybercrime Reporting Portal (NCRP), indicating nationwide multi-crore losses.
The probe zeroed in on substantial transactions passing through two bank accounts held in the name of Shoukath Ali, a resident of Mangaluru, Karnataka. The mobile number associated with these accounts was also registered to him. A raid conducted in Kerala led to Ali's arrest, which became the key to unraveling the entire network.
Structure of the Syndicate and Pan-India Raids
Further interrogation and technical forensics exposed a well-organized cybercrime module with operations spanning several Indian states and even international connections traced to Dubai. The police found the syndicate operated with a clear division of labor.
Some members were tasked with recruiting agents and opening bank accounts in their names, while others handled logistics and coordination. These agents were provided accommodation, and their bank accounts were operated remotely using mobile applications by the main handlers based abroad. These masterminds controlled the money flow, rotating illicit funds through numerous accounts to avoid detection.
Following these revelations, the police formed three special teams to conduct simultaneous raids at various locations. This swift action resulted in the arrest of all nine accused persons.
The Accused and Seized Evidence
Those arrested in connection with the Rs 16 crore cyber fraud include individuals from across the country. The police have seized substantial incriminating material as evidence, including:
- 11 mobile phones
- Multiple SIM cards
- ATM cards, passbooks, and cheque books
The arrested individuals are: Shoukath Ali (Mangaluru, Karnataka), whose accounts saw transactions worth approximately Rs 10.87 crore; Babu Pynadath (Ernakulam, Kerala), linked to about Rs 2.10 crore; Anthonies Babu (Ernakulam, Kerala); Devender Pandey alias Shivam (Uttar Pradesh); Durav Raj Mishra (Uttar Pradesh); Farooq (New Delhi); Mohd Adnan Raza alias Billa (Uttar Pradesh); Amma Gunta Kavitha (Andhra Pradesh); and K V Shiva Yogi (Karnataka).
This operation underscores the sophisticated nature of modern cyber fraud and the critical importance of vigilance on social media platforms where such investment scams often originate. The Delhi Police's success in tracking the digital money trail and coordinating multi-state action highlights a robust response to such interstate criminal networks.
