Delhi Police Uncovers Major Cyber Fraud Networks, Arrests 89 Criminals

Significant Cyber Crime Crackdown in Delhi

In a comprehensive operation conducted over a month in April, the Delhi Police dismantled several interstate cyber fraud gangs in West Delhi, leading to the arrest of 89 individuals. Authorities disclosed this information on Wednesday.

According to police reports, operations carried out across various states, including Jharkhand, Punjab, Haryana, Uttar Pradesh, Rajasthan, Gujarat, and Delhi, resulted in the apprehension of 35 suspects, the restriction of 54 individuals, and the resolution of 34 cyber fraud cases.

Methods and Impact of the Cyber Fraud Gangs

Officials revealed that the gangs employed tactics such as 'digital arrest', investment scams, phone hacking via APK files, fake dating subscriptions, and the provision of 'mule' accounts for commission-based transactions. The operation uncovered a cyber fraud network involved in transactions worth approximately ₹400 million.

During the crackdown, police seized ₹1.418 million in cash, 359 SIM cards, 218 ATM cards, 88 mobile phones, 78 checkbooks, five passbooks, three credit cards, two laptops, a pen drive, and a vehicle allegedly used in cyber fraud activities.

Preventive Measures and Victim Compensation

The police reported that their teams coordinated with banks to prevent ₹11.1 million from reaching the fraudsters. Additionally, through court orders, ₹5.195 million was returned to the victims.

In a significant operation, police dismantled a highly organized 'mule' account and OTP-sharing gang allegedly operating from Karam Pura in West Delhi. The suspects utilized a social media group named 'DL Office' to share OTPs and manage 'mule' bank accounts used in cyber fraud across India.

Identities and Arrests of Key Suspects

The arrested individuals have been identified as Bittu Chaudhary, Lavish Chugh, Rishi, Arun Singh, Ashish, and Deepak Bhatt. They reportedly attempted to escape by jumping from the fourth floor of a building during the raid, but the police team pursued and apprehended them.

Technical analysis conducted through a coordination portal revealed that this gang is linked to 35 complaints related to fraud amounting to nearly ₹400 million, which were reported on the National Cyber Crime Reporting Portal (NCRP).

Additional Arrests in Related Cases

In a separate operation, police uncovered a case of fraud under the guise of 'digital arrest', where scammers allegedly threatened a senior citizen by posing as law enforcement officers involved in a fake money laundering case. Four suspects - Ashok Kumar, Suraj Kumar, Deepu Kumar, and Vivek Kumar - were arrested for allegedly operating 'mule' accounts and converting the fraudulently obtained funds into cryptocurrency.