A gang of cybercriminals was apprehended by Uttar Pradesh Police in Prayagraj, formerly known as Allahabad, for allegedly defrauding numerous individuals. The perpetrators, identified as Sandeep Kumar Sen (23) and Mohd Sahil (19), posed as officials from esteemed government agencies like the Central Bureau of Investigation (CBI), Reserve Bank of India (RBI), and Income Tax department, utilizing a mobile application to deceive their victims. These cybercriminals, experts in data breach and phishing, exploited leaked data from mobile applications and social networking sites to target unsuspecting individuals. Their elaborate scheme enabled them to live a lavish lifestyle in the national capital, New Delhi, with luxury cars and personal security detail.
The Prayagraj police unveiled the perpetrators’ modus operandi, highlighting their meticulous approach to exploiting unsuspecting individuals. Sen and Sahil obtained personal information, including mobile numbers and bank account details, from various sources such as insurance agencies, WhatsApp, and banking websites. This stolen data served as their primary weapon in targeting victims.
The case unfolded when one of the victims, who had been defrauded of a substantial ₹68 lakh (approximately $8,500 USD) through various pretexts, approached the cyber police station to file a formal complaint. During interrogation, the duo confessed to their alleged involvement in multiple cyber frauds, amassing a staggering ₹1.5 crore (approximately $18,750 USD) through fraudulent investments in cryptocurrency and fake digital arrests.
They revealed their cunning strategy, explaining how they manipulated victims by utilizing their personal information. “They first trapped the cyber fraud victim and lured him into making an investment of ₹ 20 lakh in cryptocurrency through Defter/Laser Accounting App. Then they call the victim posing as CBI, Income Tax and RBI officers and threatened to send summons and notices for investing in cryptocurrency,” Deepak Bhukar, DCP (City), Prayagraj, told News 18.
Their ill-gotten gains funded a lavish lifestyle. The duo owned a chain of bars and restaurants in the national capital and employed two bouncers, paid a handsome ₹80,000 per month. They resided in a rented flat in Delhi, paying ₹60,000 per month. The police seized luxury cars, expensive gadgets, phones, and watches from their possession, further highlighting their extravagant lifestyle fueled by their illegal activities.
The arrest of these cybercriminals serves as a stark reminder of the growing threat posed by cybercrime, emphasizing the importance of remaining vigilant and safeguarding personal information. The authorities are continuing their investigation, aiming to uncover the full extent of their criminal activities and bring justice to the victims.
