Mastermind based in Philippines, used thousands of SIM cards for cyber fraud
Monday, September 30, 2024 | PNS | DEHRADUN
The Uttarakhand Special Task Force (STF) arrested two women from Nagpur, who were allegedly involved in a scam that exploited people’s biometrics under the guise of creating Ayushman health cards. These biometrics were used to activate SIM cards, which were then sold at high prices to cybercriminals for online fraud, the deputy superintendent of police of STF Ankush Mishra said. He stated that the arrested women, Pushpa Barapatre and Yadamma Sultan, were providing thousands of SIM cards to members of an online trading scam.
The fraudsters lured people into investing in fraudulent schemes by advertising high-profit online trading opportunities on social media platforms. Once linked to WhatsApp groups, victims were shown fake screenshots of profits to encourage more investment. One victim from Dehradun reported losing Rs 23 lakh through these fraudulent schemes. This investigation was initiated after this victim filed the case in Dehradun. According to Mishra, these criminals, posing as agents helping people get Ayushman health cards, collected the biometrics of people in rural areas. These biometrics were then reportedly used to activate new SIM cards, which were sold to cybercrime networks. He said that Raju Sultan, the son of Yadamma Sultan, is the alleged mastermind behind the scam and is based in the Philippines. He allegedly coordinated with the two women, who sent the activated SIM cards to him.
The women received substantial payments for their role in the operation, Mishra said. During the investigation, the STF tracked down both accused to Nagpur in Maharashtra. He said that the team found that the SIM cards were linked to internet banking accounts, which were used to conduct online fraud. The accused Barapatre allegedly admitted to sending around 4,000 to 5,000 SIM cards to her son in the Philippines. The investigation also revealed that the women were in constant contact with foreign cybercriminals. The DSP further said that the STF teams conducted raids at their apartment in Nagpur on Saturday. During the raid, they seized a mobile phone, debit cards, Aadhaar card, PAN card, voter ID and various bank documents. They also uncovered significant financial transactions linked to the fraud in the accused women’s bank accounts.
The STF has charged the women under relevant sections and further investigation is underway to identify other members of the syndicate, the DSP said. He said that the investigation has exposed the international dimensions of the scam, as the SIM cards activated in India were being used by cybercriminals overseas. The STF will work closely with other state police departments to trace the wider network involved in this massive cyber fraud. He also warned the public to be cautious of fraudulent online schemes, including those that promise high returns in short periods. He advised people not to share personal information, such as biometrics or banking details, with unknown individuals or engage in suspicious online investment opportunities.
