Kanpur police have announced a significant shift in their approach to cybercrime, deciding to treat it not as ordinary fraud but as organised financial crime. This move will pave the way for the attachment of properties acquired through fraudulent activities. Previously, cyber fraud accused were not booked under the Gangsters Act, which meant that properties obtained from crime proceeds could not be seized.
New Strategy to Dismantle Cybercrime Syndicates
Commissioner of Police (CP) Raghubir Lal stated that the commissionerate police will now focus on all such gangs and conduct thorough investigations into their entire syndicate. The Sharp Cyber Cell sleuths will be involved to gather detailed information about the gang's active members, their bank accounts, shell companies, properties, investments, and luxury assets. Once a comprehensive gang chart is prepared, action will be taken to attach their movable and immovable properties by invoking the Gangsters Act.
Recent Cases and Impact on Revenue
Several cases of cyber fraud have come to light in Kanpur recently, and files are being prepared for instances where land, houses, vehicles, and businesses have been built using money earned through fraud. The action under the Gangsters Act is expected to boost government revenue significantly.
Process of Investigation and Property Attachment
The police will first compile a list of cases involving transactions worth crores of rupees, inter-state networks, or organised crime. The cyber cell, banking unit, and surveillance team will collect data on suspicious accounts, crypto wallets, UPI transactions, shell companies, and benami investments. A gang chart will be drawn up after determining the role of every member identified during the investigation. Following this, the process of invoking the Gangsters Act will begin, enabling the subsequent attachment of properties.
Financial Weakening of Cyber Fraudsters
Until now, cyber fraudsters could walk out on bail and rebuild their networks because their financial strength remained intact. This new police action aims to weaken them financially, discouraging further incidents. The CP confirmed that preparations are underway to create gang charts of cyber fraudsters. "Information about the properties of accused arrested in incidents so far is being gathered. With action under the Gangsters Act, the illegal properties of the accused will be seized soon," the CP added.
