Cyber Cops Apprehend Suspect in Rs 1.10 Crore Cryptocurrency Scam
- Santosh Thorat, accused of orchestrating a cryptocurrency scam defrauding investors of Rs 1.10 crores, has been apprehended by cybercrime authorities.
- Thorat’s anticipatory bail plea was dismissed by the high court, prompting immediate police action resulting in his arrest.
- Thorat and his associates allegedly promised investors 20% annual returns through a cryptocurrency called Sonitex, leading to the fraud charges.
- After failing to meet bail conditions and changing contact details and residence, Thorat attempted to evade arrest but was eventually captured in Kharadi on April 23.
- Authorities seek custodial interrogation to uncover additional accomplices and gather further evidence, seizing incriminating documents and materials during the probe, including mobile phones and office records.
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Exposed Documents Unveil Extensive Cyber-Espionage Operations by China
- Documents from i-Soon, a Chinese cybersecurity firm associated with the country’s cybersecurity apparatus, reveal extensive cyber espionage operations.
- The documents expose China’s funding of hackers to target various groups, including Hong Kong’s pro-democracy activists, the Uyghur community, and the Tibetan exile administration in Dharamshala, India.
- Soon allegedly attempted to breach the Dalai Lama’s office in India, indicating state involvement, with the Chinese Army and Police reported as major clients of the firm.
- The revelation adds to longstanding concerns about China’s history of conducting espionage abroad, triggering diplomatic tensions, such as the crisis between China and the United States over a Chinese balloon entering American airspace.
- US and British officials have accused Beijing of targeting lawmakers, academics, journalists, and defense contractors through cyber espionage, despite China’s denial of these allegations, suggesting a rise in cyberattacks linked to Chinese agencies.
Hyderabad Doctor Loses Rs.48 Lakh in Parcel Scam Fraud
- A 34-year-old doctor in Hyderabad fell victim to fraudsters in a parcel scam, losing Rs.48 lakh, according to Hyderabad Cyber Crime Police.
- The woman received a call purportedly from FedEx courier, informing her of a parcel from Malaysia to Delhi containing drugs. She was then coerced into a video call with a ‘CBI constable’ who sent an arrest warrant via WhatsApp.
- The fraudsters compelled the victim to reveal her family, spouse, and banking details, threatening to break her Rs.25 lakh Fixed Deposits if she didn’t comply.
- Under duress, the victim transferred Rs.48 lakh to the culprits’ account, believing it was for ‘fund legislation’ and assured refund post-verification.
- Cybercrime police urged the public to report such incidents promptly, providing the Cyber Crime Helpline number- 1930 or visiting cybercrime.gov.in for assistance.
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Retired Navy Officer Scammed of Rs.86.46 Lakh by Cyber Fraudsters Posing as Stock Market Investors
- A 52-year-old retired Indian Navy officer files a complaint after allegedly losing Rs 86.46 lakh to unknown individuals promising stock market profits.
- The victim was enticed by a fake application showing high profits from his investment but realized he was being swindled when attempting to withdraw funds.
- Authorities registered a case under relevant sections of the Indian Penal Code and Information Technology Act, citing criminal conspiracy, cheating, impersonation, and forgery.
- The victim was introduced to a stock market investment group led by individuals claiming to be professors from a US-based multinational company. They promised cash dividends and substantial profits.
- The fraud unraveled when the victim sought further withdrawals and was asked to pay exorbitant taxes. Sensing fraud, he contacted authorities, leading to an ongoing investigation to trace the perpetrators.
MHA Plans Launch of New Center to Combat Cyber Financial Fraud in Real Time: Details Revealed
- MHA plans to launch CFMC under Indian Cybercrime Coordination Centre (I4C) post Lok Sabha elections to combat rising cyber financial fraud.
- CFMC aims to streamline efforts by bringing together stakeholders like banks, telecom companies, IT firms, social media platforms, and law enforcement under one roof to facilitate real-time coordination.
- CFMC’s centralized approach intends to eliminate communication delays, enabling faster response to cyber-enabled financial crimes by enhancing cooperation among stakeholders.
- Seamless cooperation is expected to reduce financial losses by approximately 11%, aiding in faster recovery of stolen funds for victims.
- CFMC complements existing efforts such as the Citizen Financial Cyberfrauds Reporting and Management System (CFCFRMS) within the National Cybercrime Reporting Portal (NCRP), showcasing the government’s commitment to combat cyber financial fraud effectively.
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