In a major breakthrough, Bengaluru police nabbed nine individuals involved in a whopping Rs 158-crore nationwide work-from-home scam. The suspects, including Amir Sohail and Inayat Khan from Bengaluru, Syed Abbas Ali, Nayaz, and Adil from Hyderabad, and Mithun Manish Shah, Naina Raj, Satish, and Mihir Shashikanth Shah from Mumbai, played various roles in the operation.
Bengaluru city police commissioner B Dayananda highlighted the significance, mentioning that while the roles of those arrested are known, the masterminds behind the intricate network are still unidentified.
The scam operated by luring victims with promises of easy work-from-home earnings. Using dubious phone numbers on platforms like WhatsApp and Telegram, the suspects convinced people to invest by completing simple tasks like liking YouTube videos or installing apps, with promises of monetary rewards.
The twist came when victims tried to withdraw funds and realized the digital accounts were fake, prompting them to file police reports.
The investigation began after a complaint from a Vidyaranyapura resident who lost Rs 18.5 lakh. The Central Crime Branch (CCB) officials froze Rs 62.8 lakh across 30 bank accounts. Further scrutiny revealed a staggering 2,143 cybercrime cases implicating these suspects across 28 states, reported through the National Cybercrime Reporting Portal (NCRP).
Of these cases, 265 were reported in various districts of Karnataka, with Bengaluru alone accounting for 135 cases across 14 police stations.
It’s unfortunate to see such scams unfold, and the use of fake digital accounts is a stark reminder to be cautious online. Ensuring digital safety is crucial in today’s world, given the rise in cybercrime.
If you have any concerns or questions about this incident or want to share your experiences, feel free to reach out. It’s essential to stay informed and vigilant to protect ourselves and others from falling victim to such scams.