Delhi Police busted a major Rs 300 Crore International Cyber Fraud Syndicate; Key accused arrested
Delhi Police has busted a major international cyber fraud syndicate that involved over 2,000 complaints and scams worth over Rs 300 crore. It is reported that the police have arrested the alleged mastermind behind this syndicate and 10 others.
This ongoing fraud came into light as a city resident, Sultan, filed a complaint alleging that he was duped of Rs 31.45 lakh after being lured into an investment scheme.
What was found in the investigation?
The police started an investigation, and it was found that the victim was persuaded to download a fake trading application and invest money with promises of high returns. But when he tried to withdraw the profits, the app stopped working, and the associated group became inaccessible.
During the investigation, police uncovered a well-organised network operating across multiple states with links to international cyber fraud syndicates, particularly in Cambodia.
The police said in a statement, “We have so far identified over 260 bank accounts linked to more than 100 fictitious companies used to channel the proceeds of crime. The total number of complaints linked to the syndicate stands at 2,567.”
According to Deputy Commissioner of Police (Crime Branch), Aditya Gautam, the key accused, Karan Kajaria, was arrested at Kolkata airport on April 3 after a Look Out Circular was issued against him. He was then brought to Delhi for further investigation.
Reportedly, the syndicate created fake investment platforms and messaging groups to lure victims. They used mule bank accounts arranged through intermediaries and deployed malicious apps to capture sensitive banking details, including OTPs. The money collected with this scam was routed through a complex network of bank accounts and shell companies to obscure the trail.
In this scam, Kajaria is said to be the main coordinator who maintained direct links with foreign-based operators and facilitated the movement of funds through cryptocurrency channels. As per the DCP, he was involved in procuring mule bank accounts and sharing sensitive details via encrypted social media platforms, while he also travelled abroad frequently, supposedly to strengthen links with overseas fraud networks.
It is revealed that Kajaria tried to evade his arrest by staying abroad, but technical surveillance helped investigators trace the network to Kolkata, where several bank accounts and shell entities were operating. And when Kajaria arrived at Kolkata airport, he was arrested.
According to the DCP, during interrogation, Kajaria has allegedly confessed to his involvement in the syndicate. Meanwhile, accounts linked to his network were associated with more than 2,500 registered complaints on the National Cybercrime Reporting Portal and the fraud of Rs 300 crore.
This syndicate was active for the past 4-5 years and operated across multiple states. Apart from Kajaria, 10 other accused have been arrested in the case so far. The police have also recovered 48 mobile phones, 258 SIM cards, multiple ATM cards and cheque books, 4 laptops, and several banking and KYC documents. The investigation is still ongoing to catch the other members of this syndicate.
Via.
