Deeg Police Dismantle Cyber Fraud Ring Operating Through Fake Hotel Booking Scams

Deeg. In a significant breakthrough under the ongoing Operation Countdown, the Deeg district police have successfully apprehended four individuals accused of running a widespread cyber fraud operation. The arrests took place in the Jurhara police station area, marking another step in the local administration's crackdown on digital criminal networks targeting unsuspecting citizens.

Acting on specific intelligence received on September 26, law enforcement officials raided a location near the Ladlaka canal bridge and a local factory. Upon arrival, officers discovered four suspects actively engaged in digital fraudulent activities. The individuals were identified as Ansar, Istiyaq, Zahid, and Saddam, all residents of the region. During the search, authorities recovered four Android smartphones, seven fraudulent SIM cards, an illicit ATM card, and 40,000 rupees in cash believed to be proceeds from their criminal enterprises.

The modus operandi of the gang involved creating deceptive social media profiles using fabricated identities and addresses. These accounts were used to lure victims with promises of heavily discounted luxury hotel bookings. Once contact was established, the suspects would manipulate victims into transferring funds under the guise of booking fees. Furthermore, the group was found to be supplying fraudulent SIM cards to other criminal elements, effectively acting as a hub for digital identity theft.

A formal case has been registered at the Jurhara police station under relevant sections of the Indian Penal Code and the Information Technology Act, specifically section 66D. The investigation is currently focused on mapping the broader network and identifying other potential accomplices connected to these suspects.

The operation was a collaborative effort involving the Jurhara police station, the District Special Team, and the Deeg Cyber Cell. Officials have stated that the interrogation of the accused is ongoing, as they work to dismantle the infrastructure that allowed this network to operate. The police department continues to urge the public to remain vigilant against unsolicited online offers and to verify the authenticity of social media profiles before engaging in any financial transactions.