In a significant crackdown on cybercrime, the Delhi Police has apprehended ten individuals linked to a sophisticated digital fraud operation. The gang is accused of cheating over 200 people across the country by impersonating courier company executives and law enforcement officials to siphon off money.
Modus Operandi of the Fraudsters
The scam operated with a chilling precision. The accused would initiate contact with their targets via phone calls, posing as representatives from major courier firms like FedEx or DTDC. They would falsely inform the victim that a parcel addressed to them, containing illegal items like drugs or fake passports, had been intercepted by authorities.
To add credibility to their story, the fraudsters would then transfer the call to another accomplice pretending to be a police officer or an official from the Narcotics Control Bureau. This fake official would threaten the victim with severe legal consequences unless they transferred money for a "verification" process or to settle the case.
The scammers used fear as their primary weapon, pressuring victims into making immediate payments through UPI platforms. They often instructed targets not to disclose the matter to anyone, including family or bank officials, under the guise of protecting an ongoing investigation.
The Police Investigation and Arrests
The Cyber Crime Unit of the Delhi Police's Eastern Range launched the investigation after receiving multiple complaints. The breakthrough came following a complaint filed by a victim who lost a substantial amount of money. Using technical surveillance and financial trail analysis, the police team identified and located the suspects.
The police conducted simultaneous raids and arrested the ten accused from various locations. During the operation, law enforcement seized a significant number of items used in the crime, including 22 mobile phones, 42 SIM cards, and multiple fake identity documents. The recovered evidence paints a picture of a well-organized racket.
Scale of the Scam and Public Advisory
Preliminary investigations suggest this gang was responsible for defrauding more than 200 individuals. The cumulative financial loss caused by their activities is estimated to be in the lakhs of rupees, with money siphoned from victims in different states.
This case highlights the evolving nature of cybercrime in India. The Delhi Police has issued a strong advisory to the public, urging caution against such unsolicited calls. Citizens are reminded that no genuine police officer or government official will ever demand money over the phone for verification or to avoid arrest.
The police emphasized that legitimate agencies follow proper legal channels. They advised people to immediately disconnect such calls, refrain from sharing personal or financial details, and report the incident to the cyber crime helpline number 1930 or the nearest police station. Vigilance and skepticism are the best defenses against these digital predators.
