Jharsuguda Police cracked Digital Arrest case arrested Three youth from Gujarat and One from Maharashtra

Jharsuguda : Jharsuguda Sadar PS Case No. 268 Dt. 14.05.2024 U/s 419/420 IPC, R/w Sec. 66-D IT Act. This case was registered on the report of Complete Jagdish Karabhai Bhardwaj and investigated into.

In above, case reference incident of cyber fraud happened in month of May of 2024. During the incident, accused persons, posed themselves as officers of Law Enforcement Agency and threatened old aged victim in the name of money laundering in his bank account and took away total Rs 34 lakhs from him through banking transaction in two phases.

Jharsuguda Cyber Cell team was tracking this case since last 5 months. After extensive analysis of digital evidences and in-depth financial investigation, zeroed down to second- and third- layer suspects in states of Gujarat, Rajasthan, Madhya Pradesh and Maharashtra. Extensive raids were conducted in various areas of these states.

Jharsuguda Police teams apprehended 4 main conspirators. More than 20 numbers of cell phones, 3 laptops, 3 computer systems and Rs. 02 lakhs have been seized. Rs, 17 lakhs is in the process of being frozen and Rs 14 lakhs have been reverted to the bank account of complainant. Teams also sealed office in Surat, Gujarat of these cyber criminals from where they conducted Digital Arrest Cyber Fraud.

Modus Operandi of Cyber Criminals

1. Criminals targeted vulnerable old age couples, leaving alone with high bank accounts.
2. They disguised themselves and project themselves as senior offices of Law Enforcement Agencies. They even threatened victim by portraying themselves senior officers to officers of district police.
3. They threatened victims by saying that their names have been reflected in Money Laundering case. If they will not respond immediately, nobody can save them. They also told that local police also will not be able to help victims.
4. They also told victims that as of now they have been placed under “Digital Arrest”. To save themselves, victim will have to comply whatever they are saying.
5. They called victims through Skype call.
6. They have prepared excel sheet having 7UPI (Google Pay and PhonePe) ID of hundreds of people.
7. As soon as money gets credited to their account, immediately they transfer money in small chunks to hundreds of accounts.

Accused Persons in custody

1. Shahrukh Umar Khatik (27) S/o. Umar Mehmud Khatik of Plot No. 108, Maruti Nagar, PS- Limbayat, Dist-Surat, Gujurat
2. Sharad Sukalal Mali @ Ajay (25) S/o. Sukalal Dangal Mali of Plot No. Samankesab, PS- Dindoli, Dist-Surat
3. Rahil Seikh (24) S/o. Kalimoddin Seikh of Gandhaipura, PS. Amalner, Dist. Jalgaon, Maharashtra At/P-Chowkbazar, PS-Athwa, Dist- Sura
4. Malek Shahrukh Hanif Isha (26) S/o. Hanif Isha Malek of Momnaward, Gopipura, Dist- Athwa, Dist-Surat.

Investigation of the case is continuing.