In a major breakthrough, Kolkata Police arrested four individuals — Md Arif Khan (26), Raja Hati (28), Md Ahasan Ali (21), and Bikash Kumar (24) — in connection with a cyber fraud operation involving a fake Axis Bank website. The arrests followed multiple raids across the city conducted by the Cyber Cell of the Port Division in coordination with Garden Reach Police Station.
Police recovered valuables worth Rs17 lakh, including 39 mobile phones, eight power banks, three sealed wristwatches, one tablet, two sealed Bluetooth speakers, one sealed headphone, a scooter, and Rs2.5 lakh in cash.
The investigation began earlier this month when a victim lodged a complaint stating he was tricked into clicking a malicious link sent via WhatsApp. The link, disguised as a customer care service from Axis Bank, led to the hacking of his mobile phone. Soon after, Rs1,18,410 was debited from his bank account without authorization.
A senior city police officer confirmed that the arrested individuals used the stolen money to purchase high-end electronics, which they planned to resell across Kolkata. Surveillance revealed that the gang operated between Jamtara (a known cybercrime hub in Jharkhand) and Kolkata.
A special investigation team (SIT) was formed, and after prolonged planning and monitoring, raids were carried out leading to the arrests and recovery of the stolen items.
Authorities are now tracking the money trail and working to identify additional suspects involved in the fraud network. The investigation is ongoing.
