Chennai: The Cyber Crime Wing of Tamil Nadu Police has achieved a significant breakthrough by uncovering an international cyber fraud network linked to Chinese scammers, preventing financial losses for victims across six Indian states.
Multi-State Cyber Fraud Network Exposed
In a meticulously coordinated operation, investigators from the State Cyber Command Centre in Chennai identified eight victims from Andhra Pradesh, Maharashtra, Rajasthan, Delhi, Jammu & Kashmir, and Uttar Pradesh who had fallen prey to an elaborate investment scam. The investigation, spearheaded by Tmt. Shahnaz Illyas, IPS, Superintendent of Police, Cyber Crime Wing, revealed that the fraudsters were operating through mule bank accounts under Chinese control.
The breakthrough came during the probe of a case registered with the State Cyber Crime Investigation Centre. Advanced data analysis and intelligence operations led to the identification of suspicious transactions, prompting immediate action. The Cyber Crime Wing collaborated with multiple banks to freeze the suspect accounts, effectively stopping further fraudulent activities.
Swift Action Prevents Major Financial Losses
Authorities discovered that the cybercriminal network was orchestrating high-value transactions from abroad, targeting unsuspecting victims with promises of lucrative returns on investments. Many victims, unaware they were being scammed, had not yet filed formal complaints. The Tamil Nadu Cyber Crime Wing promptly alerted their counterparts in the affected states, enabling them to register cases and initiate protective measures.
The timely intervention by Tamil Nadu Police not only saved victims from additional financial harm but also disrupted the operations of the international fraud ring. Investigators emphasized that without this preemptive action, the victims would likely have lost even more money to the fake investment scheme.
Top Police Officials Laud Cyber Crime Team
Director General of Police Tr. Shankar Jiwal, IPS, commended the Cyber Crime Wing for their exemplary work in dismantling the scam network. “This operation demonstrates our commitment to combating cybercrime, regardless of geographical boundaries,” he stated.
Dr. Sandeep Mittal, IPS, Additional Director General of Police, Cyber Crime Wing, issued a public advisory urging citizens to remain vigilant against such scams. He warned against sharing sensitive information like OTPs or bank details with unknown individuals and emphasized that legitimate law enforcement agencies never demand money over phone calls.
Public Advisory on Cyber Safety
The Cyber Crime Wing reiterated crucial safety measures to protect against online fraud. Citizens were advised to avoid too-good-to-be-true investment offers on social media and refrain from clicking on suspicious links. Enabling two-factor authentication for banking and email accounts, using strong passwords, and educating family members, especially seniors, about common scams were also highlighted as essential precautions.
For those who may have already fallen victim to such scams, authorities urged immediate reporting through the national cybercrime helpline at 1930 or via the official portal, www.cybercrime.gov.in.