Patna Cyber Police Cracks Down on Major Data Theft and Fraud Operation
In a significant crackdown on cybercrime, the Patna cyber police station and Economic Offences Unit conducted coordinated raids on Monday, targeting three illegal call centres operating in the Saguna More and Rupaspur areas of the city. The operation led to the arrest of 22 individuals, including 15 women, who are alleged to be part of a sophisticated racket involved in data theft and financial fraud.
Modus Operandi of the Fraudulent Network
The gang is accused of systematically stealing personal data from various sources, including cyber cafes and the Indian Railway Catering and Tourism Corporation (IRCTC). Using this stolen information, they duped victims by impersonating officials from Aadhaar card services and B2B (business-to-business) service providers. According to police reports, women members of the gang were strategically deployed to handle initial calls, leveraging their voices to build trust and lower the guard of potential targets before escalating the scams.
Evidence Seized and Scale of the Operation
During the raids, law enforcement officials seized a substantial amount of incriminating evidence, including laptops, cellphones, ATM cards, and various documents that are believed to be linked to the fraudulent activities. The police investigation suggests that this racket had been operational for over a year, during which it allegedly siphoned off crores of rupees from unsuspecting victims across the region.
Broader Implications and Ongoing Investigations
This bust highlights the growing threat of cybercrime in urban areas like Patna and underscores the importance of robust cybersecurity measures. The Economic Offences Unit is continuing its probe to uncover the full extent of the network, including potential connections to other criminal elements and the methods used to launder the illicit funds. Authorities have urged the public to remain vigilant against such scams and report any suspicious activities immediately.
The arrests come amid other notable developments in Bihar, such as budget rail grants, the oath-taking of Anant Singh, and highlights from the Economic Survey, but this cybercrime case has drawn particular attention due to its scale and impact on personal data security.
