Kurukshetra police crack major cybercrime network, nab 11 suspects

Kurukshetra police have arrested 11 people for their alleged involvement in a large-scale cyber fraud racket operating in India and abroad. Officials said the suspects were running a fake call centre to cheat people, mostly targeting residents in the United States and the United Kingdom. The arrests were made after a detailed investigation, and police seized electronic equipment used in the illegal operations.

The Kurukshetra Superintendent of Police (SP), Nitish Aggarwal, explained that the accused were running cybercrime activities under the guise of a legitimate call centre. They were allegedly training young people in English-speaking skills as part of their operations but used these skills to lure victims into scams.

The suspects have been identified as Mohit Setia, Vinod Kumar, Paramjeet, Vijay Chatri, Rohit Malhotra, Nitish Rana, Amit, Jitender, Noor Hussain, and Aakash. These individuals belonged to different parts of Haryana, including Karnal, Yamunanagar, and Kurukshetra, as well as other states such as Manipur, Uttar Pradesh, Assam, and Kerala.

Officials said that the cybercrime activities were organized from an office in Ladwa, Kurukshetra. The accused posed as call centre employees and contacted people, claiming to provide training or services. However, their real motive was to extort money from unsuspecting victims abroad.

Equipment and operations details

During the operation, police seized a total of 47 LCD monitors, 45 central processing units (CPUs), 42 keyboards, and 18 headphones from the suspects. These devices were reportedly used to carry out fraudulent transactions, communicate with victims, and manage the cybercrime network.

SP Nitish Aggarwal stated that the suspects had devised a systematic method to deceive people online. They often approached victims under the pretext of providing jobs, education, or financial assistance. Once the victims engaged with the suspects, they were tricked into sharing personal and financial information, which was then misused to steal money.

The suspects were said to operate in a highly coordinated manner, assigning roles to different members. Some focused on contacting victims, others on managing the technical aspects, and some on collecting and transferring the funds. This division of labour made it difficult for authorities to detect the scam initially.

Police also mentioned that the training provided by the accused was part of a psychological strategy. By teaching youths English and communication skills, the suspects gained their trust and involvement, later pressuring them to participate in illegal activities.

The investigation revealed that this cyber fraud racket had links across several states, which allowed the accused to target multiple victims in different countries simultaneously. The operation reportedly generated significant sums of money, which were transferred through illegal channels to evade detection.

Legal action and next steps

Police have registered cases against the 11 accused under relevant sections of the Indian Penal Code and cybercrime laws. They are being held in custody while further investigation continues. Authorities are also examining financial transactions, communication records, and other electronic evidence to identify additional accomplices and trace the money obtained through fraudulent activities.

SP Aggarwal emphasized the importance of public awareness in preventing such crimes. He advised people not to trust unsolicited calls or messages promising easy money, jobs, or training. Residents are encouraged to report suspicious activities immediately to local police or cybercrime units.

The crackdown highlights the increasing use of technology in criminal activities and the challenges law enforcement faces in tracking cyber fraud networks that operate across borders. Police said that international cooperation is essential to tackle these scams effectively, as most victims reside abroad.

Authorities also plan to enhance monitoring of call centres and online platforms in the region to prevent similar scams in the future. This includes regular inspections, stricter registration requirements, and awareness campaigns targeting young people who may be recruited by fraudsters.

ALSO READ: Uttarakhand landslide buries family, heroic mother shields children

ALSO READ: Early signs of PCOS in teenage girls: What parents should watch for

Experts in cybercrime say that the Kurukshetra case is a wake-up call for individuals and businesses dealing online. Cybercriminals are becoming more sophisticated, using training schemes, fake identities, and advanced technology to exploit victims. Awareness, vigilance, and timely reporting are crucial to staying safe in this environment.

Police have assured the public that they will continue their investigation to bring all perpetrators to justice. They are also working with banks and international agencies to freeze accounts linked to the scam and recover money stolen from victims abroad.

In conclusion, the Kurukshetra police operation has successfully disrupted a major cyber fraud network. The arrests and seizure of equipment mark an important step in combating organized cybercrime. However, authorities warn that continued vigilance and cooperation are needed from the public to prevent similar scams in the future.