India Busts Crown Pay Gang Laundering Rs 67 Crores through Telegram Scams
Gang of Thieves Uses Telegram to Steal ₹67 Crore from 75 Victims Across 25 States
A recent operation by the Ghazipur Police’s Cyber Crime Cell has brought down a massive cyber fraud syndicate that had been operating across India.
- The gang, which was active in 25 states and involved 75 victims, managed to siphon off a staggering ₹67 crore using a complex scheme involving fake bank accounts and cryptocurrency laundering.
The syndicate, which operated under the name “Crown Pay,” used Telegram to lure its victims into investing in various schemes, including trading and gaming opportunities. To carry out the scam, the gang created 700 fake bank accounts and convinced several individuals to act as middlemen, promising them lucrative commissions in exchange for their services.
“Cyber gangs can easily siphon large sums using social engineering and fake accounts,” said Prof. Triveni Singh, a renowned cybercrime expert and former IPS officer. “Cases like these require not just technical investigation but also heightened public vigilance.”
According to the investigators, the gang’s modus operandi involved creating profiles on cryptocurrency trading platforms using stolen identities and bank account details. Each member of the gang maintained a separate identity on these platforms, making it difficult to track their activities.
The investigators seized SIM cards, ATM cards, passbooks, and other incriminating materials during raids on the gang’s hideouts. Among those arrested were Rishiraj, a diploma engineer; Rohan Kumar, a contract employee at the Defence Research and Development Organisation (DRDO) in Delhi; and Sachin Singh, a postgraduate in science.
During interrogations, the accused revealed how they had convinced people to open fake accounts using their Aadhaar, PAN, and photographs. They also obtained MSME certificates, opened current accounts with GST numbers, and used internet banking IDs and passwords to facilitate the transactions.
Experts warn that cases like this highlight the need for increased vigilance and public education on cyber security. As the investigation continues, authorities are urging citizens to exercise caution when receiving investment or online earning opportunities and to verify the authenticity of such offers before sharing any personal or banking information online.
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