Hyderabad Police Crack Down on Loan Scam, Arrest Five in Warangal
In a significant crackdown on cybercrime, the Hyderabad police have arrested five individuals in Warangal for allegedly cheating people under the guise of offering loans. The police revealed that the accused received training from associates based in West Bengal, highlighting a cross-state criminal network.
Details of the Arrest and Complaint
The arrests were made based on a complaint filed by a 36-year-old woman, who reported being defrauded after responding to an Instagram advertisement promising loans. According to police, the victim clicked on the ad and soon received a phone call informing her that she was eligible for a loan of Rs 3 lakh. The accused then collected money from her by citing various reasons, including TDS and processing fees.
Instead of sanctioning the loan, the fraudsters demanded more money, prompting the victim to seek a refund. When she did, the accused began evading her, leading to the police investigation.
Training and Operations in Kolkata
Police investigations uncovered that the accused stayed in Kolkata for one month, where they were trained by handlers on how to contact victims and extract money. In 2023, the Warangal residents got in touch with these handlers in Kolkata, who provided accommodation for the training sessions.
The accused had promised to pay 30% of the ill-gotten money to their handlers, as part of their criminal arrangement. This financial incentive fueled their fraudulent activities, targeting unsuspecting individuals through social media platforms.
Tracking and Seizure of Evidence
Based on the bank accounts into which victims' money was credited, the Hyderabad police were able to track down and arrest the five accused. The individuals arrested are Bochu Arun, Gadam Bharath, Samarlla Thirupathi, Velpugonda Tharun, and Chukka Shyam.
During the operation, police seized eight phones and 10 SIM cards from the accused, which are believed to have been used in the scam. This evidence is crucial for further investigations into the broader network and potential additional victims.
Broader Implications and Police Efforts
This case underscores the growing threat of online loan scams in India, where fraudsters exploit digital platforms to lure victims. The Hyderabad police's swift action highlights their commitment to combating cybercrime and protecting citizens from such financial frauds.
Authorities are urging the public to exercise caution when responding to online loan offers, especially those advertised on social media. They recommend verifying the legitimacy of financial services through official channels and reporting any suspicious activities immediately.
The investigation is ongoing, with police looking into possible connections to other similar scams and the role of the handlers in West Bengal. This arrest serves as a warning to cybercriminals and a step towards enhancing digital security in the region.
