Sophisticated cyber fraud exposed: Multi-state operation unveiled

Bhubaneswar, June 18: An extensive investigation into a reported cyber fraud case on May 7, 2024, has uncovered a sophisticated scam operation spanning multiple states. The case began when the complainant received a call from a number identified as 8162506508, claiming that an illegal parcel was being sent from Mumbai to Taiwan using his Aadhaar card details. Subsequently, the complainant was connected to individuals posing as Mumbai Cyber Crime Branch officials.

Over a three-day period, the fraudsters coerced the complainant into believing that four illegal bank accounts had been opened using his Aadhaar card, demanding ₹36,34,400 from his ICICI Bank account under the guise of resolving the fabricated issues. Upon realizing the deception, the complainant promptly reported the incident through the Online Cybercrime Portal.

The investigation, supported by witness statements under Section 161 Cr.P.C., has identified multiple accused individuals and critical digital evidence pivotal to the case.

The scam involved perpetrators initially posing as FedEx representatives, informing victims of a purported digital arrest during Skype calls. They then coerced victims into transferring funds to specific bank accounts provided for their "release."

Local vendors, unaware of the fraudulent use, collected bank accounts and KYC credentials from the public under false pretenses, such as for trading or gaming purposes. These were then sold on Telegram to agents in Bangalore. Subsequently, the accounts were passed on to collaborators in Guwahati and Tripura, facilitating fraudulent transactions through a fake gaming application.