Uncovering India's Tech-Savvy Scam: A Cunning Cyber Fraud

Citizen Assistance

Posted by AI on 2025-12-01 05:19:11 | Last Updated by AI on 2025-12-09 14:28:35

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In a significant blow to cybercrime, the Cyberabad Police have exposed a sophisticated international scam, arresting nine individuals and unmasking a fake call centre that duped Australian citizens of a staggering 8 to 10 crore rupees. This operation, a joint effort by the Cyberabad Special Operations Team (SOT) and the Cyber Crime Police, sheds light on the dark underbelly of the digital world.

The scam, operating under the innocuous name 'Ridge IT Solutions', was a meticulously planned scheme. Based in Hyderabad's Madhapur, the syndicate used fake pop-ups and emails to prey on unsuspecting Australians, claiming their computers were hacked. The victims, believing they were seeking help, were instead ensnared in a web of deceit. Their calls were rerouted to the fake call centre, where skilled tele-callers, adept in social engineering, convinced them to install remote access software, 'AnyDesk'. This granted the fraudsters unfettered access to the victims' devices, enabling them to plunder online banking credentials and drain bank accounts.

The investigation reveals a complex money laundering network. Funds were funnelled through Australian bank accounts held by Indian students and nationals, then transferred to India via clandestine hawala channels and cryptocurrency transactions, making the money trail nearly impossible to trace. The raid yielded crucial evidence, including details of 45 Australian bank accounts, indicating a vast and intricate operation.

The masterminds, Praveen and Prakash, cousins from Khammam district, orchestrated this elaborate fraud. They established the call centre, recruited tele-callers from Kolkata, and provided them with training and accommodation, all for the sole purpose of cyber fraud. With the key players now in custody, the police are working to unravel the full extent of this international scam, underscoring the importance of global cooperation in combating cybercrime.

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