The Delhi Police have successfully cracked a sophisticated cyber fraud ring responsible for duping more than 1,000 people nationwide. The fraudsters operated fake websites that appeared as legitimate portals for booking High Security Registration Plates (HSRPs).
Two accused, Rishabh Gupta (25) and Kapil Tyagi (35), both from Ghaziabad, Uttar Pradesh, have been arrested in connection with the scam. The fraud came to light after over 1,000 complaints were registered on the National Cybercrime Reporting Portal (NCRP).
The syndicate’s method involved creating convincing counterfeit websites promoted via paid ads, tricking victims into paying advance fees ranging from Rs1,200 to Rs1,500 for fake HSRP bookings. These payments were routed through UPI QR codes linked to bank accounts opened with forged identities, with the money shuffled through mule accounts to avoid detection.
Following the initial FIR filed in March, a special police team, Intelligence Fusion and Strategic Operations (IFSO), was formed. Rishabh Gupta was arrested on June 11, and investigations revealed he managed the fake websites. Kapil Tyagi, believed to be the mastermind with a prior criminal record, was apprehended soon after.
During raids, police seized multiple digital devices, debit cards, and financial records crucial to the scam. The suspects regularly withdrew the defrauded money in cash after complex laundering operations.
Police continue to trace other syndicate members and urge citizens to remain cautious when booking official services online.
