Man Arrested in Rs 1.08 Crore Cyber Fraud Case

Thiruvananthapuram: In a significant development, cyber police have arrested a man from Haryana in connection with a major fraud case where a resident of Vengara, Malappuram, was cheated out of Rs 1.08 crore earlier this year. The accused, Aravind Monge, was apprehended by a police team from Malappuram and will be brought back to Kerala on Monday.

The Arrest Operation: Aravind Monge was arrested from his hometown in Haryana. This operation followed the arrest of another individual, Abdul Roshan, by the Malappuram cyber police earlier this month. Roshan had assisted Aravind in setting up the WhatsApp account used in the fraud. The investigation revealed that Roshan was in possession of around 40,000 illegally procured SIM cards.

Modus Operandi: According to cyber police sources, Abdul Roshan played a pivotal role in the scam. He activated SIM cards and sent the verification OTP codes to Aravind, allowing him to set up fraudulent WhatsApp accounts. Each OTP was sold for Rs 250-300. Roshan obtained new connections using documents submitted by unsuspecting customers, who were unaware that their identities were being misused. These SIM cards were then reserved for use by fraudsters.

Broader Investigation: The cyber police have uncovered a vast network of cybercriminals operating across states. Another police team is set to travel to Bihar to arrest another individual involved in a similar scam. This individual also activated a WhatsApp account used for fraudulent activities.

Widespread Racket: The investigation has revealed a large racket involving hundreds of men and women from Kerala working for cybercrime firms based in the UAE and Cambodia. These individuals are primarily aged between 20 and 30 years and are responsible for gathering details of potential victims. Some of these criminals have already been arrested, and the identities of more than 50 people from Kerala associated with these firms have been exposed.

Cambodian Connection: Earlier, the police managed to arrest a few individuals linked to a Cambodian cybercrime ring. These arrests shed light on a larger network of cybercriminals operating internationally, targeting unsuspecting victims through sophisticated scams.

Protecting Yourself: In light of this case, it’s crucial for individuals to remain vigilant against such frauds. Here are some steps to protect yourself:

1. Verify Calls and Messages: Be cautious of unsolicited calls or messages asking for personal information or money. Verify the source before taking any action. For more details read more…
2. Secure Your SIM: Ensure your SIM card is not being misused by regularly checking your mobile service provider’s records. For more details read more…
3. Protect Your Identity: Be mindful of where and how you share your personal documents. Unauthorized use of these documents can lead to significant fraud. For details read more…
4. Use Strong Security Measures: Implement robust security measures on your devices, including two-factor authentication and strong passwords. For details read more…

Conclusion: The arrest of Aravind Monge and the ongoing investigation highlight the persistent threat of cyber fraud. The coordinated efforts of the cyber police are crucial in tackling such sophisticated scams. By staying informed and vigilant, individuals can protect themselves from falling victim to cybercriminals.