Gurgaon, August 13, 2024 — Gurgaon police have arrested four cyber fraudsters involved in a massive online fraud scheme that defrauded nearly ₹11.2 crore from thousands of victims across the country. The accused, identified as Ritik Chaudhary, Tulsiram, Kunal Sisodia, and Kailash, were apprehended between July 19 and August 1 in connection with a case registered at the Cyber (East) police station. The investigation has so far uncovered a staggering 3,057 complaints and 104 FIRs filed against the accused.
The arrests were made following an extensive investigation that revealed the cyber fraudsters were operating a sophisticated scam, luring victims with promises of high returns on stock market investments. Upon their arrest, police recovered two mobile phones, six SIM cards, and three credit cards, which played a crucial role in linking the gang to other cyber fraud cases.
Use of I4C Database Key to Arrests
The breakthrough in the case came when police fed the suspects’ data into the Indian Cyber Crime Coordination Centre’s (I4C) database, a central government-run platform that maintains a comprehensive record of cybercrime complaints and accused individuals. The I4C database cross-referenced the suspects’ details, including names, residence information, mobile numbers, bank account details, and IMEI numbers, linking them to multiple cybercrime cases across the country.
Of the 104 FIRs filed against the accused, three were lodged in Haryana, including one in Gurgaon. “Linkage analysis revealed that the offenders had nearly 104 FIRs registered against them across India,” said ACP (Cybercrime) Priyanshu Dewan.
Cybercrime on the Rise in Gurgaon
The arrests come amid a sharp rise in cybercrime in Gurgaon. Police data shows that cyber fraudsters have scammed victims out of ₹285 crore in the first six months of this year, a significant increase from the ₹210 crore lost in 2023 and ₹109.7 crore in 2022. The surge in cybercrime highlights the growing sophistication of cyber cons and the challenges faced by law enforcement in combating these crimes.
Despite the alarming increase in cybercrime, Gurgaon police have managed to improve their recovery rate, from 12% in 2023 to 16% in the first half of 2024. The number of arrests related to cybercrime also increased, with 788 individuals apprehended in the first six months of this year compared to 645 in 2023. This improvement is attributed to heightened public awareness of cyber fraud and quicker reporting during the critical “golden hour” after a crime is committed.
Ongoing Efforts to Combat Cybercrime
Financial frauds continue to dominate cybercrime in Gurgaon, accounting for 66% of the total cases, with losses amounting to ₹285 crore till June 2024. Police efforts have led to the successful prevention of ₹45.1 crore in fraudulent transactions this year alone, compared to ₹25 crore in 2023.
ACP Priyanshu Dewan emphasized the importance of public vigilance and timely reporting of cybercrimes. “As more people become aware of the risks and report crimes quickly, we are able to respond more effectively and prevent further losses,” Dewan said.
The arrest of these four cyber fraudsters marks a significant step in Gurgaon’s ongoing battle against cybercrime. However, with cybercriminals continually evolving their tactics, the need for robust security measures and public awareness remains critical.
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