Chandigarh: In a major breakthrough, the Cyber Crime police have successfully cracked a fraudulent case where a city resident fell victim to a money laundering scam and lost a staggering amount of ₹52 lakh. The case dates back to November 22, 2024, when Harinath Singh reported the incident to the authorities.
According to reports, Singh received a call on October 2, 2024, from an unknown number claiming that a SIM card had been issued against his Aadhaar card for illicit activities. The caller went on to allege that multiple complaints and an FIR had been filed against Singh, threatening to deactivate all his mobile numbers within two hours. To add to the deception, Singh was made to speak to an individual posing as a Mumbai police officer via WhatsApp, who falsely accused him of involvement in the Naresh Goyal money laundering case.
Under the guise of being linked to a Canara Bank account through which ₹6.8 crore had been transacted, Singh was coerced into believing that he had received a 10% commission and was on the verge of being arrested. In a state of panic, Singh was manipulated into transferring all his assets, including fixed deposits, bank balance, shares, and mutual funds, to a designated RBI account for further investigation. In the end, Singh fell prey to the scam and transferred approximately ₹52 lakh through various online banking methods like RTGS, UPI, and net banking.
The cyber police in Chandigarh, after thorough investigation, managed to arrest five individuals involved in the scam. The mastermind behind the operation, along with four other accomplices, were apprehended from Lucknow, Uttar Pradesh. Hasnain Haider was the first to be taken into custody, and based on his disclosure, two of his associates, Hamza Harmain and Mohammed Asad, were also caught.
The arrests have shed light on the intricate web of cyber fraud that preys on unsuspecting individuals through elaborate schemes and manipulative tactics. The case serves as a stark reminder of the importance of staying vigilant and verifying the authenticity of any calls or messages that raise red flags. It also underscores the crucial role played by law enforcement agencies in cracking down on such criminal activities and bringing the perpetrators to justice.
With these recent developments, the authorities are hopeful that the apprehension of the culprits will serve as a deterrent to others who may be involved in similar fraudulent activities. The investigation into the case is ongoing, and efforts are being made to ensure that justice is served and that the victims are provided with the necessary support and assistance in recovering their lost funds.