In a significant crackdown, the Bisrakh police station in Noida has dismantled a sophisticated cyber fraud ring that was operating under the guise of a legitimate gaming company. The gang, which had been running its operations for six months, was apprehended from a plush office in the Gaur City Centre mall.
The Deceptive Facade of Trentrack Innovative Solutions
To the outside world, 'Trentrack Innovative Solutions' appeared to be a typical gaming startup. Its young workforce, mostly in their early twenties, worked diligently behind computer screens in a modern glass-fronted office. However, their product, a gaming application named "Majabook Maza Se Jeeto," was a carefully constructed trap. Marketed as a thrilling platform promising high financial returns, the app was designed solely to loot people of their hard-earned money.
How the Elaborate Scam Worked
According to Central Noida ACP Diksha Singh, the mastermind, identified as Sonal alias Anirudh (32), was responsible for collecting data of individuals who had previously shown interest in online gaming or related advertisements. Other members of the gang, including five women, would then contact these potential victims, luring them with promises of substantial earnings and bonuses for bringing in new customers.
The fraud followed a calculated pattern. New users were initially allowed to win small amounts to build trust. However, once they started betting larger sums, the gang would take control of the game backend, ensuring the player lost. If a customer somehow managed to win and attempted to withdraw their money, they were stalled with technical glitches, asked for even larger deposits, or simply blocked from the platform.
Massive Haul of Evidence Seized
During the raid, police seized a large cache of equipment and documents used in the fraud, including:
- Over 18 mobile phones and 4 laptops
- 155 fake SIM cards obtained using forged identity documents
- More than 50 QR codes for receiving payments
- Two computer monitors and four Wi-Fi modems
- Rs 45,000 in cash and numerous forged bank documents, passbooks, and debit cards
- 10 data sheets and 10 calling headphones
The investigation revealed that the gang used these fake SIMs to open bank accounts for channeling the illicit funds. Central Noida DCP Shakti Mohan Avasthy stated that the initial probe suggests the accused may have siphoned off crores of rupees through this scheme. The company name they used was neither registered nor had a valid GST number.
The Arrests and Legal Action
The police arrested the entire eight-member gang. The accused have been identified as Garv, Ajay Singh (25), Sonal alias Anirudh (32), Ruchi (20), Komal (20), Sushma (21), Tanisha (20), and Sania Singh (23). All belong to different states but had collaborated for this fraudulent operation over the past half-year.
A case has been registered against them under relevant sections of the Bharatiya Nyaya Sanhita (BNS), the Gambling Act, and the Information Technology (IT) Act. The bust highlights the growing trend of cybercriminals using fake gaming and investment apps to exploit the public's trust and desire for quick financial gains.
