Delhi Police has dismantled two interstate cyber fraud syndicates, arresting eight suspects in a coordinated crackdown that exposed a multi‑state network siphoning millions from unsuspecting investors and bank customers. The operation, carried out by the Crime Branch and the Southwest Police, targeted fraudsters operating from Kolkata, Lucknow, Jharkhand and West Bengal, and seized a trove of digital devices and financial records.
Background and Context
Cyber fraud has surged across India, with online trading scams and KYC‑related scams accounting for a growing share of financial crimes. In 2025 alone, the Reserve Bank of India reported a 12% rise in fraud cases involving fake investment platforms. Delhi Police’s recent action comes amid heightened scrutiny from regulators and a national push to strengthen cyber‑crime units. The syndicates’ ability to operate across state borders underscores the need for inter‑agency cooperation and robust digital forensic capabilities.
Key Developments
In the first case, the Crime Branch arrested three accused—Biswajit Mondal (32) and Ashish Aggarwal (35) from Kolkata, and Rajibb Shah from Lucknow—along with Shah’s associate Shubham Sharma. The group ran a fake online trading platform that defrauded investors of over ₹300 crore. Investigators traced the scheme through 2,567 complaints lodged under the National Cyber Crime Reporting Portal (NCRP) across multiple states, cross‑checked I4C data, and examined KYC records from more than 200 bank branches. They uncovered 260 bank accounts linked to 105 fictitious companies.
During raids, police seized 39 mobile phones, 258 SIM cards, four laptops, ATM cards, cheque books, and banking documents, and froze ₹19 lakh in assets. DCP (Crime) Aditya Gautam said, “Technical surveillance, call data records and IP analysis led us to the fake company addresses and operating locations.” The syndicate had been active for roughly five years, exploiting legal loopholes and sophisticated technical skills to evade detection.
The second operation targeted a multi‑state KYC fraud ring. Four suspects—Shiv Kumar Ravidas (22), Sanjay Ravidas (33), Dinesh Ravidas (29) from Dhanbad, Jharkhand, and Shubham Kumar Barnwal (25) from Hooghly, West Bengal—were arrested for impersonating bank officials and tricking customers into installing malicious APKs. The gang’s tactics involved creating a sense of urgency for KYC updates, enabling remote access to banking apps, and siphoning funds into mule accounts. The racket was uncovered after a complaint from a Delhi resident who lost ₹8.3 lakh.
Police seized 10 mobile phones, 13 SIM cards, malicious software, and other digital evidence during raids in Jharkhand and West Bengal. DCP (Southwest) Amit Goel noted, “The cheated amount was withdrawn through ATMs, POS machines, and other banking channels.” The operation highlights the evolving nature of cyber fraud, where attackers blend social engineering with technical exploits.
Impact Analysis
For the general public, the crackdown signals that authorities are actively monitoring and dismantling sophisticated fraud networks. However, it also serves as a stark reminder that cyber fraudsters continually adapt their methods. Investors and bank customers should remain vigilant, especially when approached for urgent KYC updates or investment opportunities that promise unusually high returns.
Students and young professionals, who are increasingly active online, face heightened risk. The incidents illustrate how seemingly legitimate platforms can be fronts for fraud. The Delhi Police’s actions reinforce the importance of verifying the authenticity of investment portals and banking communications before sharing personal data or downloading applications.
Financial institutions may also feel the pressure to tighten KYC procedures and enhance fraud detection systems. The use of malicious APKs to gain remote access underscores the need for banks to adopt multi‑factor authentication and real‑time monitoring of unusual transaction patterns.
Expert Insights and Practical Tips
- Verify Official Channels: Always confirm that communications come from official bank or investment portals. Check email domains, phone numbers, and website URLs for authenticity.
- Use Multi‑Factor Authentication: Enable MFA on all financial accounts to add an extra layer of security against unauthorized access.
- Beware of Urgent Requests: Fraudsters often create a sense of urgency. Take time to verify the legitimacy of any KYC or investment request before acting.
- Install Trusted Security Software: Keep antivirus and anti‑malware tools updated to detect and block malicious APKs and phishing attempts.
- Report Suspicious Activity: Use the NCRP portal or local police to report any suspicious online activity. Early reporting can help authorities trace and stop fraud networks.
- Educate Yourself: Stay informed about common fraud tactics. Regularly review updates from the Reserve Bank of India and cyber‑crime units.
Cyber‑security experts advise that individuals should treat any unsolicited request for personal data with skepticism. “The attackers are increasingly sophisticated, using legitimate‑looking interfaces and social engineering,” says Dr. Ananya Rao, a cyber‑crime analyst. “The best defense is a combination of awareness, verification, and robust security practices.”
Looking Ahead
Delhi Police’s operation is part of a broader national strategy to curb cyber fraud. The government has announced plans to enhance the Cyber Crime Coordination Centre’s capabilities, including real‑time data sharing across states and advanced forensic tools. The crackdown also highlights the need for stronger legal frameworks to address cross‑border cyber crimes.
In the coming months, law enforcement agencies are expected to intensify surveillance of online trading platforms and banking apps. Regulatory bodies may introduce stricter KYC guidelines and mandatory reporting of suspicious transactions. For individuals, this means a continued emphasis on digital hygiene and proactive monitoring of financial accounts.
As cyber fraud evolves, the collaboration between police, banks, and technology firms will be crucial. The Delhi Police’s success in dismantling these syndicates demonstrates that coordinated efforts can disrupt even well‑concealed networks. Nonetheless, the onus remains on users to remain vigilant and adopt best practices to safeguard their finances.
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