Punjab Police Uncovers International Fraud Ring, Arrests Seven Nationals
The Punjab Police arrested seven men from Nigeria and Ghana in Noida for operating a fraudulent call center. Police seized electronic devices and documents related to fake bank accounts, with losses approximating ₹15 crore for victims. An ongoing investigation seeks to uncover the full extent of the group’s operations and their victims.
In a significant bust, the Mohali Cyber Crime Cell of the Punjab Police has apprehended seven individuals from Ghana and Nigeria suspected of running a fraudulent operation from a rented property in Noida. Law enforcement officials executed the raid on Saturday, following which the suspects, all men aged between 25 and 35, were placed in police custody for two days by a local court.
During the operation, authorities seized a staggering amount of electronic equipment. This included 79 smartphones, four laptops — notably two Apple MacBooks — and 99 SIM cards, some of which were registered abroad. In addition, police recovered documentation connected to 31 fictitious bank accounts, valuing the total haul at around ₹30 lakh. They also identified transactions nearing ₹15 crore that were funneled through these accounts.
SSP Harmandeep Singh Hans reported that preliminary investigations indicate the gang may have targeted more than 350 victims. “Our team employed advanced cyber tools and covert strategies to successfully track down and arrest the perpetrators,” he stated. The suspects would allegedly befriend victims through fake social media profiles, often luring them with the promise of extravagant gifts shipped from overseas.
The scheme involved informing victims that their shipments had been held up by customs, followed by demands for payment under the guise of customs duties or taxes. The fraudsters would provide bank account details for their targets to transfer money directly, effectively siphoning funds from many unsuspecting individuals.
This operation was spearheaded by DSP Rupinderdeep Kaur Sohi, who noted that the rented residence used by the group was leased under the name of a Nigerian woman, whose whereabouts remain unknown. She further added that inquiries are ongoing regarding the bank accounts utilized by the gang, registered with various private financial institutions, and efforts are being made to identify the account holders.
Additionally, DSP Sohi highlighted that the fraudsters had also aimed to dupe Nigerian citizens, offering them fictitious job opportunities in India as part of their broader scam.
In summary, the Punjab Police has made a considerable breakthrough by arresting seven nationals suspected of running an elaborate fraud scheme. They utilized fake identities online to exploit victims, resulting in significant financial losses. The ongoing investigation is expected to reveal more details about the extent of their operation and the international nature of their fraudulent activities.
Original Source: indianexpress.com
