Visionary Vigilance: Cybersecurity Updates – Episode 5

9 critical stories of cybercrime and defence. Highlights include Chandigarh Police’s charge sheet against a cyber fraud racket exploiting rickshaw drivers’ Aadhaar cards, Delhi Police’s investigation into counterfeit ayurvedic product ads, and the Enforcement Directorate’s exposure of a ₹1,000 crore cyber fraud linked to Tamil Nadu. The digest also covers the arrest of individuals involved in a ₹12 crore pan-India cyber fraud, a Mumbai woman’s ₹1.5 crore loss in a food order scam, and the Rachakonda Police’s recovery of ₹70 lakh in a digital arrest fraud. Internationally, it discusses the arrest of a Russian national linked to a digital arrest scam and suspected drug trafficking and U.S. sanctions on Iranian and Russian entities for AI-driven cyber election interference. These incidents underscore the evolving landscape of cyber threats and the importance of vigilance and proactive measures in digital security.

CYBER UPDATESCYBERSECURITYCYBERCRIME

Shivam Dharpure

1/11/20253 min read

Visionary Vigilance: Cybersecurity Weekly Digest – Episode 5


Welcome to Visionary Vigilance, where we bring you detailed insights into the world of cybersecurity. This week, we explore 9 critical stories spanning cyber scams, fraud investigations, and vulnerabilities shaping the global digital security landscape.

🔴 Crime Alert: Cyber Fraud and Scams

National

1. Police File Charge Sheet Against 10 in Cyber Fraud Racket

Chandigarh Police filed a charge sheet against ten individuals running a cyber fraud racket from a hotel in Kajheri. 🏨📜 The group used rickshaw drivers’ Aadhaar cards to open fraudulent bank accounts, later used for scams.

Acting on a tip-off, police raided the hotel, recovering multiple Aadhaar cards and bank passbooks. The case underscores the need for stricter identity verification protocols to prevent misuse. Read more

2. Delhi Police Investigates Fraud Using Fake Ayurvedic Product Ads

A cyber fraud targeted Sanyasi Ayurveda, misusing its promotional videos to sell counterfeit Ayurvedic products. 🌿📱 Police registered an FIR after the brand’s director reported the scam, highlighting the threat of counterfeit goods online.

The incident raises concerns about the exploitation of trusted brands for fraud, urging stricter monitoring of e-commerce platforms. Details here

3. ED Raids in Bengal Uncover ₹1,000 Crore Cyber Fraud in Tamil Nadu

The Enforcement Directorate (ED) raided eight locations in Bengal, exposing a ₹1,000 crore cyber fraud linked to Tamil Nadu. 💰🔎 Investigators detained suspects and recovered evidence of widespread digital scams involving fraudulent accounts and money laundering.

The ED emphasized collaborative action between states to dismantle such large-scale operations. Read more

4. Two Arrested in ₹12 Crore Pan-India Cyber Fraud

Bapatla Police arrested two individuals from Rajasthan involved in transferring ₹12.3 crore across fraudulent accounts. 🕵️‍♂️💳 Victims were coerced into transferring funds under fake accusations of money laundering.

Police froze accounts containing ₹74 lakh and continue tracking two absconding suspects. This case highlights the need for immediate reporting of suspicious transactions. Details here

5. Mumbai Woman Loses ₹1.5 Crore in Cyber Scam Linked to Food Order

A 78-year-old South Mumbai resident lost ₹1.5 crore after scammers posed as courier and police officers. 📦🚨 They claimed her package contained illegal items, coercing her into transferring funds to avoid arrest.

The case demonstrates how fear tactics are used to exploit victims. Police warn against sharing personal information or responding to unsolicited calls. More info

6. Rachakonda Police Recover ₹70 Lakh in Digital Arrest Fraud

Cybercrime police in Rachakonda recovered ₹70.01 lakh from a scam targeting a senior citizen. 📱💸 Posing as law enforcement, the fraudsters accused the victim of illegal activities and coerced her into transferring funds.

After filing a complaint, the police tracked and arrested the culprits in Moradabad, UP, recovering the stolen amount. Read more

7. Pregnant Beneficiary of Govt Scheme Defrauded of ₹18k

A pregnant woman in Gujarat was scammed by a caller impersonating an Anganwadi officer. 🌾📞 The fraudster lured her into sharing bank details, claiming her account was inactive for maternity scheme benefits.

Authorities urge beneficiaries to verify the authenticity of calls and avoid sharing sensitive information. Details here

🌍 International

8. Russian Arrested in Digital Arrest Scam and Suspected Drug Trafficking

Ahmedabad Police arrested Russian national Anatoliy Mironov Alexandrovich, linked to a digital arrest scam defrauding a senior citizen of ₹17 lakh. 🌍💰 Anatoliy served as a “gatekeeper,” overseeing laundering operations for Chinese handlers.

This arrest highlights the transnational nature of cyber fraud and its intersection with organized crime. Read more

9. U.S. Sanctions Iranian, Russian Entities for Cyber Election Interference

The U.S. Treasury sanctioned Iranian and Russian entities for deploying AI-driven disinformation campaigns during the 2024 Presidential Election. 🌏🔒 Using generative AI, these actors created deepfake videos and fake news articles to polarize the electorate.

The sanctions underscore the growing role of AI in cyberwarfare and the importance of monitoring such technologies. Details here

This edition reveals the widespread impact of cybercrime, from local fraud targeting vulnerable individuals to international cyber interference using AI. Staying informed and vigilant is our best defense against these evolving threats.

Join us next week for more updates. Until then, stay cyber-secured with Visionary Bose! 🌍🔒

- Shivam Dharpure

Founder & Director

Visionary Bose Pvt. Ltd.