The Jharkhand CID’s Cyber Crime unit has successfully dismantled a large-scale cyber fraud network connected to China. The network was involved in fraudulent investment schemes and digital arrest scams, enabling unlawful financial transactions with the involvement of Chinese nationals. Cyber DSP Neha Bala made the announcement on Saturday.
Acting under the orders of CID DG Anurag Gupta, the CID team conducted a swift operation, leading to the arrest of seven individuals. The arrested individuals include Kumar Deepak from Siwan, Bihar; Prabhat Kumar; Kumar Saurabh from Nalanda; Shivam Kumar from Nawada; Anil Kumar and Pradeep Kumar from Patna; and Lakhan Chaurasia from Gopalganj, Madhya Pradesh. The cybercriminals were found to be in possession of 12 mobile phones, 11 SIM cards, 14 ATM cards, and details of 60 bank accounts obtained from WhatsApp and Telegram chats.
According to Cyber DSP Neha Bala, the cybercrime police station received intelligence on July 4, revealing the presence of an organized cyber gang operating from the Olive Garden Hotel in the Jagannathpur police station area. This gang was engaged in setting up mule bank accounts and collaborating with Chinese fraudsters. Following this information, the CID promptly took action and arrested seven agents at the scene. These agents were responsible for supplying mule bank accounts from different parts of the country. Furthermore, a special agent, who was working for Chinese companies such as Moon Pay, Dragon Pay, Super Pay, and Mango Pay India, was also apprehended. The WhatsApp and Telegram chats of the agents, linked to the Chinese network, yielded significant bank account information and digital evidence.
The DSP further explained that agents working for the Chinese gang received a special application (APK file) through Telegram. These agents would then install this application on SIM cards that were associated with bank accounts. Upon installation, the application would automatically send OTPs and alerts related to banking activities to Chinese servers. Criminals based in China utilized this information to gain remote access to the accounts and perpetrate fraud worth crores of rupees, with information from 60 mule bank accounts. The CID has, to date, identified 60 mule bank accounts linked to 68 complaints filed across India. These bank accounts are associated with investment scams and digital arrest-related complaints reported in various states, available on the NCRP portal. The Jharkhand CID has advised the public to remain vigilant against any unknown links, calls, or investment offers and to report any cybercrime incidents to the helpline number 1930 without delay.
