Cyber Crime
Top 10 Daily Cybercrime Brief by FCRF [03.05.2024]: Click to know Details
Local Resident Falls Victim to Rs 3L Cyber Fraud Scheme
A 28-year-old woman of Mumbai city was deceived of Rs 3 lakh in a cybercrime where the perpetrator posed as a senior IPS officer using AI. The victim was coerced into a prolonged video call, falsely accused of money laundering, and coerced to transfer funds. Police froze Rs 92,000 and are pursuing the suspects.
Mumbai Chartered Accountant Scammed of Rs. 34.7 Lakh in False Money Laundering Case Threat
A Mumbai-based chartered accountant lost Rs 34.70 lakh in a cyber scam where fraudsters, posing as TRAI and Mumbai Police officials, falsely implicated her in a money laundering case linked to Jet Airways’ Naresh Goyal. Despite compliance, the CA grew suspicious and reported the incident to Cyber Police, prompting an ongoing investigation to trace the perpetrators.
ALSO READ: Join the Movement: Future Crime Research Foundation Launches State Chapters to Build a Cyber-Safe India
CLICK THIS LINK TO BECOME DOMAIN LEAD
Kashigaon Police Aid in Recovery of Rs 19.65 Lakh Lost to Cyber Scams in Mumbai
Kashigaon police recovered Rs 4.40 lakh of the Rs 5.30 lakh lost by a Mira Road man in cyber fraud, totaling Rs 19.65 lakh in a month for four victims. Scams involved stock tips, work-from-home offers, and rating tasks. Bank accounts were identified, funds frozen, and reversed to victims’ accounts. Investigations continue under IPC and IT Act.
Cyberabad Police Issue Warning on Peer-to-Peer Crypto Trading
Cyberabad cybercrime police cautioned against peer-to-peer crypto fraud following the ED’s seizure of Rs 90 crore from crypto wallets linked to gaming scams. Efforts through helplines and portals intensified, leading to freezing of fraudulent bank accounts. Fraudsters now use intermediary “mule” accounts to avoid detection.
ALSO READ: Prime Minister Modi Raises Alarm on Misinformation and Deepfake Videos as Political Tensions Rise
CLICK THIS LINK TO BECOME A FUTURE CRIME WARRIOR
Bank Manager Arrested in Connection with Cyber Fraud Case
Cyber Police Station arrested Kapil Tiwari, Jan Small Finance Bank manager, in a Rs 5,84,000 fraud case. Tiwari, from Unnao, UP, worked in private banks for 8 years. Allegedly colluded with cybercriminals, opened accounts, and extorted Rs 50,000 under transaction pretense. Three other suspects were apprehended earlier. Tiwari remanded for four days.
INTERNATIONAL:
Nigerian Extradited from Malaysia Found Guilty of $6.3m Fraud in US
In Connecticut, Okechukwu Osuji, alongside co-conspirators, was convicted for a $6.3 million email fraud scheme. Osuji faces sentencing with a potential 60-year prison term. The operation involved posing as trustworthy entities, utilizing money mules, and controlling bank accounts. Collaboration between international law enforcement agencies facilitated Osuji’s extradition and conviction.
German Authorities Uncover ‘Largest’ Scam Call Center in Europe
German police, in collaboration with international counterparts, dismantled Europe’s largest scam call center network. Dubbed “Operation Pandora,” authorities intercepted calls, leading to 21 arrests and seizure of over €1 million in assets. The operation thwarted €10 million in damages, with ongoing investigations targeting further fraudsters.
REvil Ransomware Operator Receives Nearly 14-Year Sentence, Fined $16 Million
Ukrainian cybercriminal Yaroslav Vasinksyi, part of the REvil ransomware gang, sentenced to 13 years and 7 months in prison and ordered to pay $16 million restitution for extorting $700 million via 2,500 attacks. Justice Department collaborated globally, including seizing ransom payments. REvil’s operations disrupted in multi-country law enforcement operation.
Saudi Women’s Rights Activist Manahel al-Otaibi Sentenced to 11 Years in Jail
Saudi fitness instructor Manahel al-Otaibi received an 11-year prison sentence for expressing views opposing Saudi laws, including the male guardianship system and the hijab law, online. She was initially charged with violating the Anti-Cyber Crime Law. Her sister faced similar charges but fled the country. Rights groups condemn the verdict as arbitrary.
NSW Police Arrest Suspect in ClubsNSW and OutABox Data Breach, Not Deemed a Hack
NSW Police arrested a man over a data breach threatening one million NSW residents’ personal information. Cybercrime Squad collaborates with federal and state agencies. OutABox, a sign-in provider, acknowledges potential data breach. police investigate possible blackmail charges. Lt. Gen. McGuinness coordinates response, warns against accessing stolen information, and offers support to impacted clubs and venues.