Digital Arrest: 5 Held for Rs 1.15 Crore Scam with Chinese Gang Links
A 90-year-old senior citizen and seasoned stock market investor fell victim to a cunning cyber scam that cost him Rs 1.15 crore. The gang exploited his trust by posing as law enforcement officials and threatening to implicate him in a fake drug trafficking case. This elaborate con highlights the growing threat of digital fraud.
How the Scam Unfolded
The gang contacted the senior citizen via video call, claiming to be officers from the CBI, ED, or Mumbai Police. They accused him of involvement in smuggling 400 grams of MD drugs via a fake international courier. Using fake Supreme Court documents and forged official letters, they coerced the victim into transferring the amount under the pretense of avoiding arrest.
Key Arrests and Seizures
Surat Cyber Cell successfully arrested five individuals linked to the scam. The mastermind of the operation, however, remains at large and is believed to be operating from Cambodia. During the arrests, authorities seized:
- ₹9.5 lakh in cash
- 46 debit cards
- 23 checkbooks
- 28 SIM cards
- 9 mobile phones
- A four-wheeler vehicle
Additionally, ₹16.61 lakh in bank accounts was frozen.
Modus Operandi of the Cyber Gang
The gang employed sophisticated techniques, including fake video calls and official-looking documents, to threaten victims into compliance. Once the money was transferred, it was converted into cryptocurrency and sent to Chinese handlers, making it difficult to trace.
Links to International Crime
Investigations revealed that the arrested individuals were working for a larger Chinese gang. The scam money was funneled to offshore accounts using cryptocurrency. The primary handler in this operation, based in Cambodia, is reportedly the link between the local scammers and the overseas crime network.
A Senior Citizen’s Profile
The victim is a 90-year-old veteran investor with over 30 years of experience in the stock market. Despite his expertise and vigilance, the gang’s devious tactics overpowered his defenses, showcasing how anyone can fall prey to such scams.
Steps Taken by the Authorities
Using advanced technical surveillance and bank account tracking, the Cyber Cell identified and apprehended the suspects. The case serves as a wake-up call for citizens to be wary of unexpected communications from people claiming to represent law enforcement or other official agencies.
Arrested Suspects
The five individuals arrested in the case are:
- Rameshkumar Chanabhai Katariya
- Umeshbhai Karshanbhai Jijala
- Nareshkumar Himatbhai Surani
- Rajeshbhai Arjanbhai Dihora
- Gaurangbhai Harsukhbhai Rakholiya
Precautions Against Digital Scams
To avoid falling victim to such scams, always verify the identity of individuals claiming to represent law enforcement agencies. Do not share sensitive information over calls or transfer money based on threats.
By raising awareness and staying vigilant, we can collectively combat the menace of digital fraud.
