India Exposes a Fraud Network Targeting American Citizens; Hawala Connections Emerge
India Exposes a Fraud Network Targeting American Citizens; Hawala Connections Emerge
Agra, Uttar Pradesh: Indian police have discovered a multinational fraud scheme that used intimidation, phony authorities, and intricate money transfers through hawala networks to trick American individuals into making so-called “digital arrests” and extort thousands of dollars.
Following Amit Kumar’s arrest on suspicion of defrauding Americans through a call center scheme, the inquiry got underway. Kumar disclosed under questioning that his associates had operations in China, Dubai, and India. According to police sources, one suspect, who is based in the National Capital Region (NCR) in Delhi, was previously implicated in a multi-crore scam but managed to evade arrest after being granted bail.
Authorities think the group impersonated law enforcement personnel by obtaining international cellphone numbers with assistance from Chinese operatives. Prior to being the target of computer hacks, victims were initially solicited via phony emails.
After being forced into a situation known as “digital arrest,” victims were coerced into depositing $5,000 to $10,000 (₹4 lakh to ₹8 lakh) into accounts under the syndicate’s control. The funds were then laundered back into India after passing via networks in Singapore, Hong Kong, Dubai, and Vietnam.
Scam’s Anatomy
Investigators said that one of the main participants, Irfan Malik of Kolkata, operated a contact center that used phony social media ads to target senior citizens. After offering services at a discount, the organization would deploy hacking tools to take over the victims’ machines.
Members received a cut of about 60 to 65 percent of the money gathered through hawala, and Kumar acknowledged that the operation was very well-organized.
Expert’s Point of View
Such examples demonstrate the extent to which international networks have permeated India’s cybercrime scene, according to Mohit Yadav, a renowned cybersecurity expert and highly decorated media panelist for more than 12 famous media houses.
He clarified, “These syndicates take advantage of weaknesses in financial monitoring and technological awareness.” “The prospect of a so-called ‘digital arrest’ seems serious to victims overseas, but it is only a commercial strategy for the thieves. They have the ideal cover to transfer illegal funds across borders with little detection, thanks to the hawala route.”
He continued by saying that combating such crimes necessitates increased international collaboration in addition to awareness-raising initiatives to keep people from being victims of impersonation schemes.
A Lookalike Pattern
Previously, Kumar worked at a call center before starting his own business. He allegedly returned to cybercrime after completing a brief jail sentence for a previous scam, focusing on victims from other countries.
Irfan Malik, who is still at large, is the focus of the hunt, according to the police.
“We are coordinating with agencies abroad to trace financial flows and locate the fugitives,” one investigator said.
About The Author:
Yogesh Naager is a content marketer who specializes in the cybersecurity and B2B space. Besides writing for the News4Hackers blogs, he also writes for brands including Craw Security, Bytecode Security, and NASSCOM.
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