Patna STF Cracks Down on Cyber Fraud, Arrests 5 in Fake Loan App Racket
In a significant operation against digital financial crimes, a joint team of the Special Task Force (STF) and Economic Offences Unit conducted a major raid in Sheikhpura district on Wednesday evening. The operation successfully dismantled a sophisticated fake loan app racket operating under the guise of 'Dhani Finance'.
Coordinated Raid Leads to Multiple Arrests
The authorities arrested five members of the criminal gang during the carefully planned operation. According to police reports, the raid was executed at two separate locations within Chhabila Tika village, which falls under the jurisdiction of Baribigha police station. The action was initiated based on confidential intelligence received from Patna headquarters.
Two additional suspects managed to evade capture, exploiting the darkness and challenging terrain of the area to make their escape. Police teams have launched search operations to apprehend the remaining individuals involved in this elaborate scam.
Modus Operandi of the Fraudulent Operation
Cyber DSP Jyoti Kumari provided detailed insights into how the gang operated their fraudulent scheme. The criminals specifically targeted vulnerable individuals seeking financial assistance, using social media platforms and direct messaging services to reach potential victims.
The fraudsters employed a multi-stage deception strategy:
- They initially advertised attractive loan offers with exceptionally low interest rates
- Once victims expressed interest, they were directed to download the fake 'Dhani Finance' application
- After victims completed the application process, the gang demanded substantial processing fees
- Additional unauthorized charges were imposed under various pretexts
"The gang systematically exploited people's financial desperation," explained DSP Kumari. "They promised easy loan approvals without proper documentation, but once someone fell into their trap, they extracted large sums through various fabricated charges."
Evidence Recovery and Ongoing Investigation
During the raid, police investigators secured crucial evidence from the crime scene. The recovered materials included:
- Five mobile phones used in the fraudulent operations
- Nineteen SIM cards employed to create multiple fake identities
- A substantial customer database containing information about potential and actual victims
DSP Kumari confirmed that forensic examination of the digital evidence is currently in progress. This technical analysis aims to identify additional members of the criminal network and trace the financial transactions involved in the scam.
Public Advisory Against Digital Financial Fraud
Authorities have issued a strong warning to the public regarding such digital financial scams. "Citizens must exercise extreme caution when responding to unsolicited loan offers," emphasized DSP Kumari. She specifically advised people to:
- Verify the authenticity of financial applications through official channels
- Avoid sharing personal and financial information with unverified entities
- Report suspicious loan offers to cyber crime authorities immediately
- Consult registered financial institutions for legitimate loan requirements
The successful operation demonstrates the increasing focus on combating cyber financial crimes in the region, with authorities committing to stronger enforcement against digital fraud networks targeting vulnerable populations.
