CYBER FRAUD NETWORK SPREAD OVERSEAS, MASSIVE SEIZURE IN JOINT RAID BY PANCHKULA POLICE AND CYBER HARYANA
Face2News/Chandigarh/Panchkula
Haryana Police, in a decisive strike against cyber criminals, carried out a major operation last night. Acting on the directions of DGP Haryana, a joint team of Panchkula Police and Cyber Haryana raided three fake call centers operating in IT Park, Panchkula, and apprehended 85 persons. Those arrested include both the owners and employees of these call centers. These centers were systematically defrauding citizens across India and foreign countries including United States and Europe.
This operation reflects Haryana Police’s strong commitment to close monitoring and swift action against cybercrime.
CYBER FRAUD NETWORK DISMANTLED: DGP SAYS – MISSION OF HARYANA POLICE IS PUBLIC SAFETY AND TRUST: Director General of Police, Haryana, Sh. Shatrujeet Kapur, congratulated the teams for this successful operation and stated that this action demonstrates Haryana Police’s firm resolve to fight cybercrime. He said that such actions strengthen the sense of trust and security among the public. He further assured that Haryana Police will continue to adopt a tough stance against cyber criminals and will launch special campaigns in the future to dismantle such networks.
DGP Haryana especially congratulated the Commissioner of Police, Panchkula-cum-IGP Cyber Haryana Sibash Kabiraj, along with the teams of Panchkula Police and Cyber Haryana, stating that this operation is an excellent example of coordinated functioning by Haryana Police.
INTERNATIONAL CYBER FRAUD NETWORK EXPOSED
In this joint operation, three teams led by DCP Crime & Traffic, Sh. Manpreet Singh Sudan, IPS played a crucial role. These included the SHO Cyber Police Station, SHO Chandimandir Police Station, Crime Branch Sector-26, as well as officers from Cyber Haryana and Detective Staff. Through effective coordination and swift action, raids were conducted simultaneously on all three call centers, leading to the on-the-spot detention of 85 individuals.
During the raids, police recovered a large quantity of digital equipment and cash:
• From Certys IT Services: 85 laptops, 62 mobile phones, and ₹8,40,000 in cash. • From iSpace Technologies Pvt. Ltd.: 62 laptops, 60 mobile phones, and ₹73,176 in cash, • From the third call center: 18 mobile phones, 21 CPUs, one laptop, and ₹3,20,000 in cash
Preliminary investigation has revealed that about 10 of them are key accused against whom FIRs are being registered. The police are now conducting in-depth investigations into other networks connected with them.
THE MODUS OPERANDI
The investigation has revealed that employees at these call centers, proficient in English, posed as representatives of various service providers and helpdesk staff.
• They lured people by offering free services and schemes.
• Among these were fake schemes such as the so-called “Obama Welfare Initiative”, which they falsely linked to India’s BPL (Below Poverty Line) program to win the trust of victims.
• Once trust was gained, they extracted personal and banking data from victims, which was later sold to organized criminals.
• Additionally, victims were forced to purchase online coupons, which were then converted into Bitcoin and transferred abroad through hawala networks.
THE SEIZURES : During the raids, police recovered a large quantity of digital equipment and cash:
• From Certys IT Services: 85 laptops, 62 mobile phones, and ₹8,40,000 in cash. • From iSpace Technologies Pvt. Ltd.: 62 laptops, 60 mobile phones, and ₹73,176 in cash, • From the third call center: 18 mobile phones, 21 CPUs, one laptop, and ₹3,20,000 in cash
Three separate FIRs have been registered by Panchkula Police, and interrogation of the accused is underway. Police believe this action has uncovered a major cybercrime syndicate with roots extending beyond India.
ADVISORY : Haryana Police has appealed to citizens to remain vigilant and aware about cyber security.
• Do not share personal or banking details with strangers over calls, emails or messages. • In case of any suspicious transaction or suspected cyber fraud, immediately call the Cyber Helpline 1930 or file a complaint on the National Cyber Crime Reporting Portal (www.cybercrime.gov.in).
Public vigilance and timely reporting remain the most effective weapons in breaking the networks of cyber criminals.