Transactions worth Rs 20 crore across 50 bank accounts in just two months triggered a police investigation, leading to the arrest of 13 suspects. A prompt tip-off from officials at a private sector bank proved pivotal as the Pimpri Chinchwad police’s cybercrime cell recently unearthed a sophisticated cyber fraud operation.

Thirteen suspects, all in their 20s and operating across three layers as cyber foot soldiers for international criminals in Dubai, have been arrested. The suspects were connected to a network of 50 bank accounts that saw Rs 20 crore move in just two months. These accounts served as conduits for funds pilfered by international kingpins from unsuspecting victims of online fraud.

Investigation Details

The investigation began when the Pimpri Chinchwad police cybercrime cell was probing an online task fraud case registered at the Dehu Road police station. During the investigation, the team received a tip from a private sector bank manager about suspicious activity in nearly three dozen accounts opened in the last two months. These accounts, held in the names of labourers and farmers, showed unusual activity totalling multiple crores of rupees. As the team delved deeper, they discovered these were ‘rented’ accounts used to receive funds siphoned from cybercrime victims.

Over the last week, the investigation revealed a network of 50 bank accounts implicated in at least 16 cybercrimes registered in Maharashtra.

The Three-Tier Operation

An officer from Pimpri Chinchwad police explained the operation, stating, “We have arrested individuals from three layers of the racket, with the fourth and higher layers operating from abroad, specifically Dubai. The first layer consists of people in whose names the accounts were opened, receiving a small monthly amount or percentage of transactions. They were misled into believing their accounts were used for gaming or share trading. The second layer involves those who helped open and maintain these accounts, also receiving a share of the money. The third layer connected the lower two layers to the masterminds in Dubai.”

The officer added that the money was ultimately used to buy cryptocurrency, deposited into the digital wallets of Dubai-based operators. The arrested include six from the first layer, five from the second layer, and two from the third layer, including a 23-year-old engineer. Further arrests are anticipated.

While the probe began with an online task fraud case, the accounts were found to have received money from various other frauds, including online share trading frauds and drug parcel scams. Many victims of these cases are well-educated professionals.

The Investigation Team

The investigation was led by Senior Inspector Vaibhav Shingare, Assistant Inspector Praveen Swami, and Sub Inspectors Sagar Poman, Nitin Gaikwad, and Ravindra Panhale, along with constabulary staff.

What are Online Task Frauds?

Since January 2023, Pune citizens have reported numerous online task frauds. In one of the biggest cases, a 69-year-old retired Colonel was cheated of Rs 2.4 crore in May and June last year. In these frauds, victims receive messages offering money for tasks like liking videos and giving online reviews. Initially, they are paid small amounts to win their trust, such as Rs 100 per like or Rs 1,000 per review. Later, they are asked to pay fees for ‘prepaid tasks’ that promise higher returns. Eventually, the returns fail to materialize, and victims realize they have been cheated.