Punjab Police Dismantles International Fraud Ring; Seven Arrested in Noida
The Punjab Police arrested seven nationals from Nigeria and Ghana in Noida, uncovering a fraudulent call center operation. During a raid, police seized 79 smartphones, four laptops, 99 SIMs, and documents tied to fraudulent bank accounts, amounting to significant monetary fraud. The suspects allegedly used fake profiles to defraud more than 350 victims, promising expensive gifts and requesting clearance payments.
In a significant operation, the Mohali Cyber Crime Cell of the Punjab Police has dismantled an international fraud ring, apprehending seven individuals from Nigeria and Ghana in Noida. These arrests, made from a rented property, are connected to a fraudulent call center, as confirmed by police on Saturday. Subsequently, a Mohali court granted a two-day police remand for the suspects, all male, aged between 25 and 35.
During the raid, authorities seized an array of equipment, including 79 smartphones, four laptops, and 99 SIM cards, both domestic and foreign. They also discovered documentation concerning 31 fake bank accounts. The total estimated worth of these items reaches approximately ₹30 lakh, and the police revealed that transactions of around ₹15 crore were traced through these accounts.
Superintendent of Police Harmandeep Singh Hans mentioned that the suspects are educated and utilized fake social media profiles to lure victims both in India and abroad. “Using advanced cyber tools and covert strategies, our team managed to apprehend the culprits,” he stated. Preliminary investigations indicate that the group had potentially defrauded over 350 individuals.
The modus operandi of this gang revolved around enticing victims with promises of high-value gifts from abroad. Once the victims showed interest, they would be informed that customs had detained their parcel, with the scammers demanding funds for clearance charges or taxes. The gang often shared specific bank account numbers for deposits.
The operation was spearheaded by DSP Rupinderdeep Kaur Sohi. According to her, the rented residence was established by a Nigerian woman, whose current location remains untraced. DSP Sohi also elaborated that the bank accounts exploited by the gang were affiliated with private banks, and an investigation is underway to identify the account holders and the process through which the SIM cards were acquired. Furthermore, it was revealed that the scammers also targeted Nigerian citizens, misleading them with false job offers in India.
This operation not only highlights the extensive reach of international fraud but also the proactive measures taken by the Punjab Police to combat such activities. With significant earnings traced back to the fraudulent operation, it raises serious concerns about cybercrime and the sophisticated methods employed by scammers in the digital age. The investigation continues to unfold, aiming to dismantle the entire network and prevent future fraud.
Original Source: indianexpress.com
