Major Cyber Fraud Network Busted: 25-Year-Old Arrested in Assam
Cyber Fraud Operation Uncovered
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Guwahati, Aug 19: Authorities have apprehended a 25-year-old individual from Barpeta district in connection with a vast cyber fraud scheme allegedly involving a staggering Rs 1,173 crore. This operation has also led to the rescue of ten victims who were being coerced across various states.
The suspect, Rafikul Alam, was taken into custody by the Cyber Centre of Excellence (CCoE) team from Gandhinagar after a thorough technical investigation and a three-day undercover operation in Barpeta.
During the arrest, Alam was found with electronic devices believed to be used in the fraudulent activities.
Gujarat's Deputy Chief Minister, Harsh Sanghavi, shared on social media that the investigation has connected 1,753 bank accounts to 1,042 cybercrime cases, amounting to an estimated fraud of Rs 1,173 crore nationwide.
Significantly, investigators were able to identify ten ongoing cases where victims were still being manipulated by fraudsters, preparing to send more money.
The CCoE teams intervened by visiting the victims' homes in different regions, successfully preventing further financial loss. Among those rescued were elderly individuals from cities like Ahmedabad, Surat, and Jamnagar.
In some instances, victims had already liquidated their fixed deposits and were on the verge of selling properties to meet the demands of the fraudsters.
This timely intervention not only halted the victims from transferring additional funds but also disrupted the broader network while the fraud was actively occurring. In three cases in Gujarat, CCoE teams provided immediate support and counseling to the victims, as noted by Deputy Chief Minister Sanghavi.
Initial investigations suggest that Alam may have ties to a cybercrime network linked to China, with cryptocurrency transactions being involved in the scheme.
The Gujarat team conducted a detailed technical analysis, followed digital footprints, and executed the undercover operation in Barpeta leading to Alam's arrest.
This case highlights the alarming rise of sophisticated “digital arrest” scams, where cybercriminals impersonate law enforcement or government officials, falsely accuse victims of crimes, and maintain constant surveillance while extorting money.
“One arrest in Assam has led to the prevention of ten digital arrests in real-time; this operation not only identified a key suspect but also safeguarded victims from further financial loss,” stated Gujarat Police.
Ongoing investigations are expected to yield more arrests related to this case.