CID Nabs Cyber Fraud from West Bengal in Major Rs 2.07 Crore Investment Scam
The Criminal Investigation Department (CID) has made a significant breakthrough in a high-profile cyber fraud case, arresting a suspect from West Bengal's North 24 Pargana district. The arrest pertains to allegations of cheating a businessman based in Latehar of a staggering sum of Rs 2.07 crore through deceptive investment and trading applications. Police officials confirmed the development on Saturday, highlighting the growing menace of digital financial crimes in the region.
Details of the Arrest and Seizure
The accused has been identified as Abhishek Bera (26), a resident of Muraguchha under the jurisdiction of the Ghola police station in North 24 Parganas. Law enforcement authorities apprehended Bera on Thursday and subsequently brought him to Ranchi under transit remand. Following the necessary legal procedures, he was forwarded to jail under judicial custody on Friday. In a crucial move, the CID seized several pieces of evidence from the accused, including a laptop, two mobile phones, three SIM cards, and five debit cards, which are expected to aid in the ongoing investigation.
Modus Operandi of the Fraud
According to the CID, the case was registered at the Ranchi cyber police station on December 16 last year, based on a formal complaint submitted by the victim. In the First Information Report (FIR), the victim detailed how he was added to a WhatsApp group named 'Digital Assets'. This group promoted attractive trading offers that initially showed fake profits, thereby gaining the victim's trust. Encouraged by these fabricated returns, the businessman proceeded to transfer the substantial amount of Rs 2.07 crore to multiple bank accounts linked to the fraudulent scheme.
Broader Implications and Previous Cases
The investigation has revealed that the bank account associated with accused Abhishek Bera is also under scrutiny in a similar cyber fraud case registered in Uttar Pradesh. This connection suggests a potentially wider network of such scams, raising concerns about the sophistication and reach of these criminal operations. The CID's findings underscore the need for heightened vigilance among the public regarding online financial transactions.
CID's Advisory to the Public
In light of this incident, the CID has issued a stern advisory to citizens, urging them to exercise caution when encountering investment opportunities online. Specifically, the department has warned against clicking on links related to investment offers disseminated through platforms like WhatsApp, Telegram, and Google ads. Additionally, the public is advised to refrain from depositing money into bank accounts or UPI IDs provided through these channels. The CID emphasizes that investments should only be made through government-authorized applications, and individuals should thoroughly verify all related information before proceeding.
In case of falling victim to cyber fraud, the CID directs residents to take immediate action by calling the helpline number 1930. Alternatively, written complaints can be submitted on the official portal cybercrime.gov.in or at the nearest cyber police station. These measures are crucial for timely intervention and to prevent further financial losses.
This arrest serves as a reminder of the persistent threats in the digital landscape and the importance of robust cybersecurity practices. As authorities continue to crack down on such crimes, public awareness and adherence to safety guidelines remain paramount in combating cyber fraud effectively.
