Deeg Police Dismantle Sophisticated Cyber Fraud Ring in Operation Countdown

Deeg. In a significant crackdown on digital crime, the Deeg police have successfully dismantled an interstate cyber fraud syndicate under the banner of Operation Countdown. Acting on precise intelligence, the Gopalgarh police station team conducted a targeted raid near the canal behind Vankhandi Temple, leading to the apprehension of twelve individuals involved in various online scams. Among those caught, nine adults were formally arrested, while three minors were taken into protective custody for their involvement in the illicit activities.

The operation, executed under the direct supervision of District Superintendent of Police Sharan Gopinath K., resulted in the seizure of substantial digital evidence and logistical assets. Authorities confiscated fifteen Android smartphones, fourteen active SIM cards, and three ATM cards used to facilitate financial transactions. Furthermore, two luxury vehicles, a Creta and a Swift, were impounded as they were allegedly utilized by the gang to coordinate their criminal operations across the region.

Investigations revealed that the syndicate employed a multi-faceted approach to defraud victims. The group frequently created fraudulent social media profiles to lure individuals with promises of purchasing rare coins and antique currency at exorbitant prices. Once contact was established, they would demand registration fees and processing charges, funneling the money through a network of fake bank accounts and UPI platforms. Beyond financial fraud, the gang engaged in sextortion by initiating video calls to record compromising footage of victims, subsequently threatening to circulate the content online to extort large sums of money.

The arrested suspects, primarily hailing from Pali village and Arduka, include Munfed, Taufik, Abbas, Shahid, Rashid, Nisar, Aakil, Farhan, and Zaid. The police have registered a formal case against the accused under the relevant sections of the Bharatiya Nyaya Sanhita and the Information Technology Act. The investigation is currently ongoing as officials analyze the recovered digital evidence, including screenshots and communication logs, to identify further links in this criminal network.

The successful execution of this operation highlights the proactive stance of the local police force in addressing the growing threat of cybercrime. The team led by Station House Officer Ramnaresh Meena, along with several dedicated constables and officers, has been commended for their meticulous planning and swift action. This crackdown serves as a stern warning to those attempting to exploit digital platforms for illegal gains within the district.