Jamshedpur. Nearly a dozen suspected cybercriminals operating from the steel city have been identified for allegedly duping foreign nationals, including several US citizens, a senior police officer confirmed on Wednesday. Acting on multiple complaints received through various channels, the city police launched an investigation and traced the accused, who were found running operations from call centres located in Telco, Govindpur, and Birsanagar police station areas.
Superintendent of Police (City) Kumar Shivashish said that mobile location tracking also confirmed the presence of the fraudsters in Jamshedpur. He added that many of those identified were doing small jobs until a year ago, but are now seen maintaining two luxury cars, owning flats, and even purchasing land.
“We have asked them to furnish valid ownership documents for the properties they claim. Even if it is ancestral property, they must prove it. Not a single accused will be spared if found guilty,” SP Shivashish said.
The Modus Operandi
Preliminary findings suggest that the fraudsters posed as technical support executives, bank officials, and service agents to gain the trust of foreign customers. They allegedly duped victims primarily through cryptocurrency transactions, extracting huge sums of money.
The gang is also accused of misleading people by charging them for seat changes on airlines, even though the service was free.
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Lifestyle Under Scanner
Police officials noted a sharp rise in the lifestyle of the accused, raising suspicion about their sudden wealth. From luxury cars to real estate, their assets are now under scrutiny as investigators verify the sources of income.
Vigil and Arrests Soon
Police officers of Deputy Superintendent rank have been alerted and directed to maintain strict vigil over the suspects. “We will be able to provide more details about the racket and its modus operandi after the investigation is completed and arrests are made,” the SP assured.
The investigation is being carried out jointly with intelligence inputs, and authorities have pledged to bring all culprits of this international cyber fraud to justice.