Jodhpur police have recently dismantled a significant international cyber fraud scheme. This operation involved a gang based in Cambodia that defrauded people across India, racking up losses of over Rs 1,100 crore. The investigation, led by Police Commissioner Om Prakash Paswan, uncovered that 5,378 fake Indian SIM cards were used to carry out these fraudulent activities.
Most of these SIM cards came from Maharashtra, where 1,132 were issued, followed by 756 from Tamil Nadu. Once acquired, these SIM cards were sent to Cambodia, where cybercriminals used them to scam people in India. Maharashtra alone saw losses of Rs 224 crore due to these scams.
Local police in Jaipur joined the investigation, revealing that young men were lured to Cambodia under the promise of jobs. Once there, many were coerced into committing cyber fraud, working for fake call centers run by Chinese gangs. These youths spoke local Indian languages, making it easier for them to target victims.
Recently, six individuals were arrested for selling SIM cards obtained through fraudulent means. Their ties stretch to a larger international network. In an operation dubbed “Cyber Mukti,” police arrested 25 people, including a major broker named Suresh Sain. The investigation found that more than 50 local youths were sent to Cambodia under false pretenses, often having their documents confiscated and being forced into work.
The police’s investigative efforts revealed around 36,000 SIM cards were active and roaming in Cambodia. To combat this issue, they initiated a plan to block the fake SIM cards and linked WhatsApp accounts. They also formed a Special Investigation Team (SIT) and reached out to other states for coordination.
This case highlights the alarming rise of cyber fraud networks that exploit Indian youth and SIM cards to commit large-scale scams. Experts like cybersecurity analyst Dr. Ravi Kumar emphasize the need for stronger regulations on SIM card issuance and better awareness campaigns to educate the public about these scams.
With the involvement of over 1,500 individuals in such fake call centers across Southeast Asia, experts warn that the situation is dire. Engaging international cooperation and enhancing technology surveillance could be key to tackling this growing threat.
A recent study found that nearly 80% of respondents expressed concerns over being targeted by cyber fraud schemes. This has led to an increase in public awareness about the dangers associated with sharing personal information and using SIM cards, prompting calls for better regulations and security measures.
The crackdown signals hope in curbing cybercrimes significantly and may serve as a model for other regions facing similar threats. By working together and remaining vigilant, the fight against cyber fraud can become more effective.
For further details, you can read about the growing concerns regarding financial fraud in this report.
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CYBER FRAUD, CAMBODIA CALL CENTER, 5378 FAKE SIM CARDS, JODHPUR POLICE ON CYBER FRAUD, CYBER CRIME, A GANG OPERATING FROM CAMBODIA HAS DEFRAUDED PEOPLE ACROSS INDIA OF OVER 1,100 CRORE
