Dhanbad Police Crack Down on Cyber Fraud with Two Arrests in High-Value Cases
In a significant breakthrough, the Dhanbad police have apprehended two individuals linked to separate cyber fraud incidents, with the combined financial impact reaching nearly Rs 3 crore. The arrests were announced during a press conference held at the cyber police station in Dhanbad on Sunday, where City Superintendent of Police Rithvik Srivastava provided detailed insights into the operations.
First Case: Rs 50 Lakh Fraud from Karnataka
The initial case revolves around a cyber fraud amounting to approximately Rs 50 lakh, which was reported in January. The victim, Abhay Kumar Agarwal, a resident of the Bhuiphod Mandir area in Dhanbad, filed a complaint alleging that an unidentified fraudster impersonated the director of a company. Through chats on an instant messaging platform, the perpetrator convinced Agarwal to transfer Rs 50 lakh to a specified bank account.
Police investigations revealed that the funds were directed to the account of a cooperative society at a private bank. Following the complaint, Senior Superintendent of Police Prabhat Kumar established a Special Investigation Team (SIT) under the supervision of Cyber DSP Sanjeev Kumar. The SIT conducted extensive inquiries and traveled to Karnataka, where they arrested Mohammad Afser, a 41-year-old resident of Hosanagara in Shivamogga district.
Afser is identified as one of the joint account holders of the cooperative society's bank account where the fraudulent proceeds were deposited. Authorities have confirmed that two other partners associated with the account remain at large, and ongoing efforts are focused on tracing their whereabouts to ensure full accountability.
Second Case: Rs 2.5 Crore Scam from Saraidhela
In a parallel development, police arrested Manish Singh, aged 50, from the Saraidhela police station area. Singh is accused of orchestrating a sophisticated fraud scheme by opening current accounts under the names of fictitious companies in a nationalised bank. Within just one week, these accounts facilitated illegal transactions worth nearly Rs 2.5 crore, highlighting the scale and speed of the operation.
Acting on a credible tip-off, law enforcement officials apprehended Singh and presented him before a court, which subsequently remanded him to judicial custody. This arrest underscores the proactive measures taken by the Dhanbad police to combat financial crimes in the region.
Broader Implications and Ongoing Investigations
Police officers have emphasized the significance of both arrests in the broader context of fighting cybercrime. They noted that these actions not only bring immediate perpetrators to justice but also disrupt larger fraud networks. Further investigation is actively underway to identify and apprehend other members linked to these criminal activities, aiming to dismantle the entire operation and prevent future incidents.
The Dhanbad police's efforts reflect a growing commitment to addressing cyber threats, with authorities urging the public to remain vigilant against such scams. As cyber fraud continues to evolve, these arrests serve as a reminder of the importance of robust law enforcement and community awareness in safeguarding financial assets.
