In a significant crackdown on cybercrime, the Intelligence Fusion & Strategic Operations (IFSO) Unit has busted a critical part of an inter-national syndicate operating from Cambodia and other south east Asian countries involved in duping victims by impersonating law-enforcement agencies and coercing them under the pretext of “Digital Arrest.” And investment schemes.
The operation resulted in the arrest of two (02) accused persons from Delhi. The investigation revealed a well-coordinated network engaged in systematic cyber fraud, using advanced digital tools and mule bank accounts to siphon off funds.
BACKGROUND OF THE CASE:
During the analysis of cyber fraud patterns on the NCRP portal, an illegal SIM Box/GSM gateway setup was detected at GD Colony, Mayur Vihar Phase-III, Delhi. The setup was being used to route international VoIP calls into Indian mobile networks for committing cyber fraud. On inquiry, the premises (H. No. B-1099/1100, 6th Floor) was found to be rented by Anil Kumar, who, along with his associate Vaibhav Raj and handler Nazim (based in Mumbai/abroad), was operating the illegal setup. The system enabled foreign fraudsters to contact Indian victims using local mobile numbers for scams such as “digital arrest” and investment fraud. One active SIM Box, multiple SIM cards, mobile phones, and internet equipment were found at the premises. The accused persons were apprehended. The act reveals an organized cyber fraud syndicate misusing telecom infrastructure, posing a serious threat to public interest and national security.
OPERATION AND ARRESTS:
A dedicated team led by Inspector Satish Kumar, comprising SI Sumit Sehrawat, HC Manoj Kumar, HC Rajesh, and Ct. Ashish Rathi, was constituted under the close supervision of Sh. Vivekanand Jha, ACP/IFSO, and overall supervision of Sh. Vinit Kumar, DCP/IFSO, Special Cell. The team conducted a detailed analysis of bank accounts linked to cyber fraud. Through exhaustive examination of digital footprints, technical surveillance, and on-ground intelligence, coordinated raids were conducted at multiple locations across Delhi-NCR. These sustained efforts led to a breakthrough when the investigation traced accused persons Anil Kumar and Vaibhav Raj. Continued investigation and follow-up raids ultimately resulted in their arrest from GD Colony, Mayur Vihar, New Delhi. Their arrest exposed the extensive network of the syndicate, including its international linkages. Investigation has revealed that the arrested accused acted as facilitators by procuring and operating mule bank accounts and layering the defrauded funds through multiple accounts. These activities were carried out at the behest of an international cybercrime syndicate operating from Cambodia.
MODUS OPERANDI:
The syndicate impersonated officials from the Police, CBI, Customs, and other government agencies. Victims were falsely informed that multiple FIRs had been registered against them. Initially, the victims were threatened with arrest and severe legal consequences. Subsequently, the fraudsters adopted a sympathetic approach, claiming it to be a case of mistaken identity. Victims were then instructed to file a complaint, remain under “digital surveillance,” and transfer their savings into so-called “RBI-mandated accounts” for verification. They were falsely assured that the funds would be returned after the verification process, thereby defrauding them of their money.
PERSONS ARRESTED:
- Vaibhav Raj @ Ishu S/o Sanjay Raj
R/o A-212, Gali No. 12, 2nd Floor, Rajveer Colony, Gharoli Ext., PS Ghazipur, New Delhi – 110096, Age: 29 years - Anil Kumar S/o Ramesh Kumar
R/o B-288/11, Rajveer Colony, Gali No. 1, Gharoli, PS Ghazipur, New Delhi – 110096, Age: 28 years
ROLE OF ACCUSED:
• Vaibhav Raj arranged the internet connection in his name, operated the SIM Box and laptop, provided remote access through AnyDesk, and regularly replaced SIM cards as per instructions.
• Anil Kumar rented the premises, managed overall operations and logistics, handled financial transactions through bank accounts, and coordinated courier delivery and handling of SIM cards and electronic devices.
CASES LINKED:
A total of 03 cases have been reported against the bank account of one Satyam Tiwari, bearing Account No. 266102000000491, maintained with Indian Overseas Bank, Mayur Vihar Phase-II, New Delhi.
RECOVERY:
- One Black SIM BOX (32 slots, active)
- Bulk SIM Cards (350+)
- Airtel Xstream Fiber Modem (White)
- Internet Splitter + cables
- Lenovo Laptop with charger
- Samsung Keypad Phone
- ACE Keypad Phone
- Nokia Keypad Phone
- Vivo Smartphone
(All without SIM–suspected use in SIM BOX operations) - Indian Overseas Bank Cheque Book :- A/c No. 266102000000491, Name: Satyam Tiwari
- Multiple courier envelopes (Blue Dart, DTDC)
- SIM card supply from associates (Rohit, Arif, Sabir etc.)
- One sealed packet containing 30 BSNL SIM Cards
Ongoing Investigation:
The offence has been found to be grave, well-organised, and trans-state in nature, involving impersonation of public servants, sophisticated cyber fraud, and systematic laundering of proceeds of crime. Further investigation is actively underway to identify additional conspirators, unravel the complete money trail, and examine the role of other facilitators involved in the racket. “Delhi Police reaffirm its zero-tolerance approach towards cybercrime and institutional collusion. Citizens are urged to remain alert and cautious against ‘Digital Arrest’ scams and to immediately report any suspicious calls or messages to the police authorities.”
