Mumbai Crime Branch Busts ₹350 Crore Cyber Fraud Network

The Mumbai Crime Branch's Unit-5 has busted an alleged cyber fraud network involving transactions of over ₹350 crore. The accused, identified as Islamuddin Salimuddin Shaikh, Yasir Nasiruddin Shaikh, and Abdul Razzaq Abdul Rauf, were arrested and produced before the Esplanade court. They have been remanded to police custody till September 19.

The accused allegedly used multiple bank accounts and mobile SIM cards to carry out online cyber fraud. The money generated through these activities was deposited into these accounts and then transferred to other bank accounts. During the investigation, the Crime Branch seized 88 passbooks, 143 cheque books, around 900 ATM cards, 24 mobile phones, 167 SIM cards, and two laptops from the accused.

The police investigation revealed that the accused had carried out transactions involving around ₹24 crore in suspected cyber fraud proceeds through nearly 10 bank accounts. A check of 1,930 records on the cybercrime portal linked to these accounts revealed 32 complaints. Technical analysis also showed that 288 SIM cards allegedly used by the accused were linked to cyber fraud-related activities.

The cases linked to the network involve various forms of cybercrime, including OTP fraud, digital arrest scams, job-related fraud, and investment fraud. Among the arrested accused, one is a cab driver. The Crime Branch is now conducting a detailed investigation into the bank accounts, mobile numbers, and financial transactions.

The police are also probing whether the network has links with other states outside Maharashtra and possible overseas connections. The accused used to open multiple bank accounts in their own names as well as in the names of other persons. A large number of mobile SIM cards were linked to these accounts.

The Mumbai Crime Branch's Unit-5 has been actively working to curb cybercrime in the city. The busting of this cyber fraud network is a significant achievement in this direction. The police are urging citizens to be cautious while carrying out online transactions and to report any suspicious activities to the authorities.

The accused will be in police custody till September 19, and the investigation is ongoing. The Mumbai Crime Branch is working to uncover the entire network and to bring all those involved to justice.

The busting of this cyber fraud network is a reminder of the importance of being vigilant while carrying out online transactions. Citizens are advised to be cautious and to report any suspicious activities to the authorities. The Mumbai Crime Branch is committed to curbing cybercrime in the city and to ensuring the safety of its citizens.

In conclusion, the busting of the ₹350 crore cyber fraud network is a significant achievement for the Mumbai Crime Branch. The police are working to uncover the entire network and to bring all those involved to justice. Citizens are urged to be cautious while carrying out online transactions and to report any suspicious activities to the authorities.