Kanpur Cyber Police Uncover International Fraud Network
The cyber-crime branch in Kanpur has successfully dismantled a sophisticated fraud gang, arresting four individuals, including one woman, for orchestrating elaborate scams using messaging applications with Pakistani IP addresses. This significant breakthrough highlights the growing threat of cross-border cybercrime and the vigilance of Indian law enforcement agencies.
Operation Triggered by I4C Portal Alert
Deputy Commissioner of Police (Crime) Shravan Kumar Singh revealed that the investigation was initiated after critical information surfaced on the Indian Cyber Crime Coordination Centre's Pratibimb portal. Authorities received specific intelligence regarding a mobile number registered in Kanpur being actively utilized in criminal activities across various locations. This digital footprint provided the crucial lead needed to track down the perpetrators.
Modus Operandi: Impersonation and Technical Deception
The accused employed a cunning strategy to defraud unsuspecting victims. They posed as customs officers or police officials, leveraging a deactivated mobile number to avoid detection. By using IP addresses traced back to Islamabad, Pakistan, they masked their true location, complicating the investigative process. The deactivated number featured a police profile picture, adding a layer of authenticity to their deceitful communications.
Notably, no alert message was generated when this number was accessed, as it was operated through the service provider's computer system by the telecom company, allowing the gang to exploit a technical loophole. This method enabled them to conduct their fraudulent activities with reduced risk of immediate interception.
Arrests and Seizures
Following a meticulous operation, the police apprehended the following individuals:
- Kamlesh Kumar Gautam from Bahraich
- Vikas Gautam from Bahraich
- Rakhi Mishra from Lakhimpur Kheri
- Deepak Sharma
During the arrests, authorities confiscated multiple mobile phones, crucial documents, and other items in their possession, which are expected to provide further insights into the gang's operations and potential connections.
Ongoing Investigation and Future Steps
The search for other members associated with this gang is actively continuing, as police work to unravel the full extent of the network and identify any additional accomplices. This case underscores the importance of international cooperation in combating cybercrime and the need for enhanced digital security measures to protect citizens from such sophisticated frauds.
