In a significant crackdown on digital crime, the Jaipur City Police on Thursday successfully dismantled an organized cyber financial fraud racket, leading to the arrest of two key individuals. The operation has shed light on sophisticated methods used to defraud citizens through online platforms.
Modus Operandi: Phishing Links and Instant Delivery
According to police officials, the accused orchestrated their scams by first gaining unauthorized access to victims' mobile phones. They sent fake and malicious links to users, which, once clicked, allowed them to hack into the devices. With this access, they allegedly stole sensitive credit and debit card details stored on the phones or accessed through saved information.
The stolen financial data was then used to make high-value purchases on popular e-commerce and quick-commerce platforms like Flipkart, Amazon, Swiggy, Zepto, and Blinkit. Police highlighted that the fraudsters specifically opted for instant-delivery services to receive the ordered goods, such as mobile phones, within a very short time window. This tactic was deliberately employed to reduce the chances of detection and cancellation by the actual cardholders.
International Links and Crypto Trails
Jaipur Police Commissioner Sachin Mittal identified the arrested accused as Amol Chopra and Saksham Khandelwal. He stated that police teams are actively searching for other members linked to this extensive network. The breakthrough came following a tip-off from an informer, after which technical surveillance and confidential inputs were used to track the digital footprint of the culprits.
Deputy Commissioner of Police (Crime) Abhijit Singh revealed further intricate details of the operation. The accused used third-party payment applications and engaged in digital identity theft to mask their fraudulent transactions. Evidence also suggests that mobile phones procured through these cyber frauds were being routed out of India via Nepal, indicating cross-border smuggling.
Perhaps the most challenging aspect for investigators is the use of cryptocurrency. The racket relied heavily on digital currencies to conceal the money trails, making it difficult to trace the final destination of the stolen funds. Preliminary findings point to international linkages, and probes are now focused on examining these cross-border financial flows and digital assets.
A Network Partially Dismantled
Commissioner Sachin Mittal commended the efforts of the investigative teams, stating, "The teams identified the accused, mapped their digital footprint and dismantled a key part of the network." However, the search is on for the remaining associates.
This case serves as a stark reminder for the public to exercise extreme caution with unsolicited links and messages. It also underscores the evolving challenges law enforcement faces with the use of encrypted communication, instant delivery logistics, and cryptocurrency in modern cybercrime.
