Delhi Police Take Action Against Visa Fraud
On Wednesday, officials from the Delhi Police’s Crime Branch announced they had uncovered a Visa Scam Targeting Nepalese Nationals who were tricked while looking for jobs in Serbia. This operation is part of a broader effort to combat rising fraud cases.
Details of the Visa Scam
The Deputy Commissioner of Police, Vikram Singh, reported that the police arrested two individuals in connection with this scam. Unfortunately, two more suspects are still on the run.
Many Nepalese citizens dreamed of better jobs abroad. But this scam misled them into believing they could find good work in Serbia. People need to be cautious and ensure they check the authenticity of any job offers, especially those from abroad.
Recent Cyber Crime Operations
The visa scam is not an isolated event. On Tuesday, another team from the Cyber Cell of the Delhi Police cracked down on a different online fraud scheme. This involved the arrest of the main suspect and other associates who had cheated many investors.
According to the Deputy Commissioner of Police for the Cyber Cell, Aditya Gautam, the police got involved after a 47-year-old stationery shop owner from Mahendru Enclave reported a huge loss of ₹39.5 lakh. He had been lured by false promises of high returns from a fake cryptocurrency investment.
How the Crypto Scam Worked
The fraudster created a fake investment platform that promised quick and enormous returns. Sadly, many people, like the stationery shop owner, believed these lies and lost their hard-earned money.
During the investigation, police discovered a suspicious bank account set up to collect the stolen funds. This account was located in Karol Bagh and had ₹10,00,000 credited to it after being linked to at least nine other complaints. The complaints were reported through the National Cybercrime Reporting Portal (NCRP).
Tracking Down the Criminals
The investigation led police to a man named Krishan Kumar, also known as Monu, who lived in Paharganj. He had been trying to evade capture by changing his address and phone number frequently. However, on August 20, police apprehended him.
After his arrest, Monu provided the police with information that helped them catch his associate, Deepu, aged 32, from Gopalpur. The police found that Deepu had instructed Monu on how to set up the mule account.
Connecting the Dots in the Fraud Network
Further investigation revealed that Deepu was part of a larger group involved in the online fraud. This group included other individuals named Arvind and Irfan. Deepu often convinced people to open bank accounts, claiming that the funds would come from gaming activities.
The police learned that Irfan monitored these account holders, making sure the scheme ran smoothly. Meanwhile, Arvind was already in jail for another cyber fraud case. He had connections with cyber criminals who funneled money through these mule accounts.
Detectives worked tirelessly, eventually apprehending Irfan in Paharganj as well. All individuals connected to the scams have been arrested, and the investigation is ongoing.
Rising Cyber Crime Concerns
These incidents highlight a disturbing trend. In 2022, Punjab saw a significant increase in cyber crimes, especially involving online scams. Many innocent people fell victim to fake investments and fraud schemes.
Delhi Police reported a significant surge in complaints about fraudulent schemes. Many of these complaints came from Punjab and nearby areas. Authorities are working hard to combat this increase and protect potential victims.
Staying Safe Online
Everyone needs to stay vigilant and remember a few tips to avoid falling victim to scams:
- Research job offers thoroughly, especially those from abroad.
- Never share personal information or send money to people you don’t know.
- Be cautious of offers that sound too good to be true.
- Report suspicious activities to local authorities immediately.
Conclusion
The recent actions taken by the Delhi Police shed light on the ongoing battle against fraud. As scams become more complex, individuals must remain informed and cautious. Community efforts, like those in Mohali, are vital in raising awareness and reducing the number of victims.
Stay aware and safe online. If you see something suspicious, speak up. Your awareness can help prevent others from becoming victims of scams.
