Mumbai Crime Branch Busts Goa Cyber Fraud Racket, 12 Arrested

The Mumbai Crime Branch's Unit-2 has busted a major cyber fraud racket operating from Goa, arresting 12 accused and uncovering ₹500 crore transactions.

The investigation began after a cyber fraud case was registered at Pydhonie Police Station, with police raiding a luxurious 2,000-square-foot villa near Calangute Beach. The villa was allegedly used as a training and operations centre for cyber fraud.

The accused, including one Mumbai resident and 11 from Gujarat, carried out various types of cyber fraud, including digital arrest scams and WhatsApp DP-related frauds. The money collected was allegedly transferred to Dubai, with the accused earning a 3% commission on transactions and a monthly salary of ₹25,000 to ₹30,000.

The alleged mastermind behind the racket is based in Sri Lanka, raising concerns over the country's potential emergence as a cyber fraud hub. Investigators are examining whether similar cyber fraud call centres are operating from villas in Goa.

The accused had rented the villa for around ₹1 lakh per month and were living a lavish lifestyle. Police suspect that the villa had been rented for six to eight months and that transactions worth ₹500 crore were carried out through over 150 mule bank accounts.

The investigation has raised questions over the shift of cyber fraud networks to Goa and the potential involvement of authorities in Sri Lanka in curbing such operations. The development has significant implications for Mumbai and India's efforts to combat cybercrime.

The Mumbai Crime Branch's crackdown on the racket is a major step forward in the fight against cyber fraud, with the investigation ongoing to uncover the full extent of the operation. The case highlights the need for continued vigilance and cooperation between law enforcement agencies to tackle the growing threat of cybercrime.

The accused are currently in police custody, with further investigations underway to determine the scope of the racket and the involvement of other individuals. The case is a significant breakthrough for the Mumbai Crime Branch, which has been working to combat cybercrime in the city.

The investigation has also raised concerns over the use of luxury villas and other properties in Goa as hubs for cyber fraud operations. The police are working to determine whether other similar operations are active in the state and to take action against those involved.

In conclusion, the busting of the Goa-based cyber fraud racket is a major achievement for the Mumbai Crime Branch, highlighting the need for continued efforts to combat cybercrime and protect citizens from these types of scams.