The Intelligence Fusion and Strategic Operations (IFSO) unit of Delhi Police has dismantled a sophisticated cybercrime syndicate after a six-month investigation, arresting 18 individuals involved in a Rs 2.6 crore fraud.
The syndicate operated primarily through a call centre in Kakrola, West Delhi, with several aides working in Gurgaon. These insiders leaked confidential credit card information, which the gang exploited to deceive victims.
The accused impersonated bank officials, using terms like “one-time permission” and “customer value verification code” to trick cardholders into sharing sensitive details such as OTPs and CVVs. This stolen data was then used to purchase high-value electronic gift cards, later redeemed for booking domestic flights.
Police revealed the group had a well-structured hierarchy, including callers, SIM card providers, insiders, money handlers, and masterminds. The principal orchestrators were identified as Ankit Rathi, Waseem, and Vishal Bhardwaj.
Insiders Vishesh Lahori alias Paji and Durgesh Dhakad facilitated the leak of customer data. The phishing calls were reportedly made by Rahul Vishwakarma, Pawan Bisht, Kailash Purohit alias Kabir, Himanshu Chugh alias Babu, and Ravin Saini.
Funds stolen were converted through crypto transactions handled by Akilesh Lakhotia and Harsh Chauhan, who also resold gift cards for cash. Shivam Sehrawat was responsible for providing SIM cards to the group.
This operation highlights the increasing sophistication of cyber fraud rings and the crucial role of law enforcement in curbing digital crimes.
