Cyber Fraud Ring Busted in Delhi Raids: Officer Injured
The Enforcement Directorate (ED) has made significant headway in dismantling a complex cyber fraud network operating in Delhi, leading to the arrest of at least one suspect and the ongoing execution of raids across multiple locations. The operation, which began Thursday in the Bijwasan area, encountered unexpected resistance when members of the accused group allegedly attacked the investigating team.
“We received information regarding manhandling of the ED team at Bijwasan. SHO Kapashera along with staff reached the spot at Bijwasan where an ED team led by Suraj Yadav had initiated a raid at the location,” a high-ranking police official detailed. “The farmhouse, owned by Ashok Kumar a chartered accountant, was targeted due to its suspected involvement in money laundering activities.”
The raid revealed a substantial operation linked to internet-based financial scams. According to ED sources, thousands of complaints regarding phishing scams, QR code fraud, and deceptive part-time job schemes have flooded authorities across the country in recent months.
During Thursday’s raid, authorities encountered fierce resistance. One Enforcement Officer sustained minor injuries in the confrontation. After receiving first aid, the officer determined to continue with the ongoing investigation, showcasing unwavering commitment to disrupting the illicit operation.
“The ED team was accompanied by two women CRPF officers. They also called one male CRPF officer to the scene later,” added the official, further detailing events. “One individual, Yash, a relative of Ashok Kumar, was arrested in connection with the assault on the ED officers.”
The investigation, spearheaded by the ED, unveiled a sophisticated system wherein ill-gotten gains from these online scams were meticulously laundered through a network of illicit channels. Officials collaborating with the i4C and Financial Intelligence Unit-India (FIU-IND) meticulously analyzed thousands of cybercrime reports, uncovering alarming patterns within this intricate web of deceit.
The investigation revealed that fraudulent funds were channeled into approximately 15,000 mule accounts, serving as intermediaries in the financial laundering operation, complicating tracing of the money trail.
“Debit and credit cards were obtained illegally and used to top up virtual accounts on Pyypl, a UAE-based payment aggregator,” explained an ED source, providing detailed insight into the Laundering scheme. “These funds were then utilized to purchase cryptocurrency, further obscuring their origins and creating layers of distance from the initial fraudulent activities.”
Sources within the ED suspect that shady chartered accountants were at the helm of this elaborate scheme, skillfully structuring financial transactions to evade detection. The raids are still active, with investigators diligently pursuing leads and apprehending those implicated running the extensive cyber fraud network.
How sophisticated were the cyber fraud tactics used by the ring?
## Cyber Fraud Ring Busted in Delhi Raids: Officer Injured
**News Anchor:** Welcome back, viewers. Today’s top story centers on a significant breakthrough in the fight against cybercrime. Delhi Police and the Enforcement Directorate (ED) have dismantled a large cyber fraud operation, leading to the arrest of several suspects and uncovering a sophisticated money laundering scheme.
Joining us today to shed some light on this complex case is retired Cybercrime Investigator, **Alex Reed** . Welcome to the show.
**Alex Reed:** Thanks for having me.
**News Anchor:** Let’s start with the basics. What exactly have authorities uncovered?
**Alex Reed:** This appears to be a major operation targeting vulnerable individuals across the country through various online scams. We’re talking about phishing attacks, QR code fraud, and fake job opportunities – all designed to trick people into revealing personal information or making fraudulent payments. The ED seems to have traced these scams back to a farmhouse in Bijwasan, Delhi, owned by a chartered accountant named Ashok Kumar.
**News Anchor:** It sounds very sophisticated.
**Alex Reed:** Indeed. What’s particularly alarming is the scale of this operation. The ED has mentioned receiving thousands of complaints related to these scams in recent months. This suggests a well-organized network with a potentially significant reach.
**News Anchor:** We understand there was some resistance during the raid.
**Alex Reed:** Absolutely. [ [1](https://www.indiatoday.in/india/story/enforcement-directorate-team-attacked-in-delhi-cyber-fraud-money-laundering-case-raid-fir-registered-2641456-2024-11-28) ]Sadly, one ED officer was injured during the confrontation. This highlights the dangers investigators face when trying to bring these criminal organizations to justice.
**News Anchor:** What can viewers do to protect themselves from becoming victims of such scams?
**Alex Reed:** Awareness is key. Be suspicious of unsolicited emails or messages, especially those asking for personal information or financial details. Double-check website addresses for legitimacy. And if an opportunity seems too good to be true, it probably is.
**News Anchor:** Valuable advice. **Alex Reed**, thanks for sharing your insights on this important issue.
**Alex Reed:** My pleasure.