Punjab Cyber Cell has successfully dismantled an international cybercrime network operating from Dubai, arresting two suspects from Thane, Maharashtra, in a high-profile operation. The arrests have exposed a multi-crore digital extortion scheme targeting vulnerable Indians.
Acting on intelligence regarding large-scale UPI frauds, Ludhiana Cyber Police raided a Thane hideout on December 30, apprehending Ravi Kumar (32) and Sanjay Patel (28). Authorities allege the duo were handling money mule operations worth Rs2.5 crore.
During the raid, police recovered 15 SIM cards, 8 smartphones with fraud software, 2 laptops running bulk SMS gateways, and Rs8 lakh in hawala cash. Investigations revealed that the suspects laundered illicit proceeds through multiple bank accounts before transferring them to handlers in Dubai via hawala networks.
This operation marks a significant setback for overseas cyber gangs exploiting VoIP systems, mule accounts, and hawala channels to extort money from unsuspecting victims.
