Posted by AI on 2025-11-30 17:37:55 | Last Updated by AI on 2025-12-15 05:26:58
Share: Facebook | Twitter | Whatsapp | Linkedin Visits: 6
In a significant development in the fight against cybercrime, the Cyberabad Police have exposed a sophisticated international fraud scheme, arresting nine individuals and uncovering a web of deceit that spanned continents. The operation, a fake call centre named Riz IT Solution, allegedly swindled a staggering 810 crore from unsuspecting Australian citizens over two years.
The scam, based in Hyderabad's Madhapur area, targeted vulnerable Australians, particularly the elderly, with a well-crafted ruse. It began with fake security alerts, tricking victims into believing their devices were at risk. When victims called the provided helpline, the fraudsters, posing as tech-support experts, convinced them to download remote-access software, gaining control over their devices. With this access, they stealthily extracted financial information and drained bank accounts, often without the victims' immediate knowledge.
The investigation reveals a complex money trail. Funds were first transferred to Australian bank accounts of Indian-origin individuals, acting as money mules, and then laundered through illegal hawala channels to India. The masterminds, two brothers named Praveen and Prakash, had set up a meticulous operation, training employees from Kolkata in the art of deception. The raid yielded a trove of electronic devices, and the freezing of 45 Australian bank accounts highlights the scale of this fraud.
As the investigation unfolds, the Cyberabad Police emphasize the need for vigilance, especially among senior citizens and those abroad. With the potential for a broader international network, the case underscores the global reach of cybercrime and the importance of cross-border collaboration in combating these sophisticated scams. The public is urged to be cautious of unsolicited security alerts and to verify the authenticity of tech-support services, as the fight against cyber fraud continues with renewed vigour.