Cyber Fraud Network Busted Across 17 States, 12 Arrested in Dewas

'E-Zero FIR' System Aids Major Cybercrime Bust

In line with Chief Minister Dr. Mohan Yadav's vision, Madhya Pradesh Police have achieved a significant breakthrough in controlling cybercrimes and providing swift relief to victims through the 'E-Zero FIR' system. Under the guidance of Director General of Police Mr. Kailash Makwana and the leadership of Additional Director General of Police Mr. A Sai Manohar, Dewas Police have successfully busted an interstate network involved in 'digital arrest fraud'.

Interstate Network Uncovered, Funds Recovered

This operation led to the arrest of 12 cyber fraudsters and the recovery of approximately ₹54,84,725 in defrauded money. The case came to light when a resident of the Kotwali police station area in Dewas filed a complaint on the cyber helpline 1930, reporting a ₹63,52,000 cyber fraud involving 'digital arrest'.

Extensive Investigation and Interstate Coordination

Given the seriousness of the complaint, a special team was formed by Dewas Police. This team meticulously analyzed banking transactions, account holders, mobile numbers, bank statements, CCTV footage from bank branches, and other technical evidence. After in-depth technical and financial analysis of each banking layer, the police team successfully tracked down the accused.

Operation Spans 17 States Over 127 Days

Following the trail of the defrauded money, 70 police personnel across 19 Dewas Police teams coordinated with local police in 33 districts across 17 states, including Rajasthan, Gujarat, Maharashtra, Telangana, Andhra Pradesh, Karnataka, Kerala, Tamil Nadu, Bihar, Jharkhand, West Bengal, Uttar Pradesh, and Delhi. This extensive interstate operation involved 127 days of relentless pursuit of the accused, investigation of bank accounts, collection of technical evidence, and verification of suspect activities, covering approximately 58,315 kilometers.

Fraud Modus Operandi Revealed

The investigation revealed that the cyber fraudsters would impersonate officials from the Department of Telecommunications, Mumbai Crime Branch, or CBI, contacting victims via phone or video calls. They would instill fear of arrest for alleged involvement in money laundering or other crimes, conducting a fake investigation process.

Fake Investigation and Fund Diversion Tactics

During this fabricated process, they would create a scenario resembling a court of law to extract victims' banking and investment details. Subsequently, under the guise of investigation, victims were coerced into depositing funds into various bank accounts, which were then quickly transferred to different accounts. The police successfully traced the various links in the banking channels to identify the accounts and the individuals involved in this network.

Significant Recovery and Seizure of Digital Evidence

During the operation, approximately ₹54,84,000 of the defrauded amount was recovered. Additionally, crucial materials related to banking and digital transactions were seized from the accused, which will aid in further investigation.

Appeal to Citizens: Beware of 'Digital Arrest' Scams

Madhya Pradesh Police urge citizens that no legitimate legal process called 'digital arrest' exists. If someone contacts you via phone or video call, claiming to be an official from the Police, CBI, ED, Narcotics, or any other government agency, threatens you with arrest, or tries to implicate you in money laundering or other crimes by demanding money transfers, do not panic and do not transfer any funds to any account under any circumstances.

Prompt Reporting is Crucial

In any situation of cyber fraud, citizens should immediately register a complaint on the cyber helpline number 1930 or contact their nearest police station. Timely reporting can be crucial in securing defrauded funds and assisting in the apprehension of criminals.