Visionary Vigilance: Cybersecurity Weekly Digest – Episode 17
Recent cyber threats, law enforcement actions, and emerging fraud techniques. Key highlights include the Chhattisgarh Police dismantling an international cybercrime syndicate operating from Cambodia that defrauded Indian victims of over ₹10 crore, the Department of Telecommunications in Hyderabad uncovering a fraudulent sale of 500 SIM cards used in cyber crimes, and the arrest of three individuals linked to a ₹10 crore scam involving fake investment schemes. Additionally, the digest covers a Hyderabad man’s loss of ₹7.4 lakh in a fake hotel review scheme, the launch of the ‘Safe Click’ cyber awareness drive in Madhya Pradesh, and Noida Police’s recovery of ₹1.55 crore lost in online fraud. These incidents underscore the escalating complexity of cyber threats and the critical need for heightened vigilance and proactive cybersecurity measures.
CYBERCRIMECYBERSECURITYCYBER UPDATES
Shivam Dharpure
2/14/20258 min read
Visionary Vigilance: Cybersecurity Weekly Digest – Episode 17
Welcome to Episode 17 of Visionary Vigilance, where we explore the latest cyber threats, law enforcement crackdowns, and evolving fraud techniques. This week, we uncover multi-crore cyber fraud operations, illegal SIM sales, AI-powered hacking threats, and global cybercrime takedowns. Stay alert and cyber-secure! 🌍🔐
🔴 National Cybersecurity Updates & Crime Crackdowns
1. Chhattisgarh Police Uncover Cybercrime Syndicate with Cambodian Links 💰🚔
Chhattisgarh Police dismantled an international cybercrime syndicate operating from Cambodia, where criminals siphoned off over ₹10 crore from Indian victims.
📌 Key Findings:
✔️ The gang operated call centers in Cambodia, targeting Indian citizens with fake job offers and fraudulent investment schemes.
✔️ The prime accused, Shrenik Sanghvi, met handlers in Cambodia, where he was assigned to launder stolen funds.
✔️ Over 30 mule bank accounts were used to route fraud money abroad.
Law enforcement warns citizens not to engage with unsolicited financial offers, particularly from unknown numbers or emails.
2. DoT Busts Fraudulent Sale of 500 SIM Cards Used in Cyber Crimes 📱⚠️
The Department of Telecommunications (DoT) Hyderabad unit discovered a massive SIM fraud, where a fraudulent PoS (Point of Sale) agent illegally sold 500 Vodafone Idea SIMs to cybercriminals.
📌 How the Scam Worked:
✔️ SIMs were used for cyber frauds, including phishing and scam calls.
✔️ Some were linked to SIM box technology, enabling bulk SMS phishing campaigns.
✔️ Authorities seized 130 SIMs and arrested multiple suspects.
3. Three Cambodia-Based Cyber Thugs Arrested for ₹10 Crore Scam 🌍🚨
Police arrested three key members of an international cyber fraud gang that duped victims of ₹10 crore through fake investment schemes.
📌 How They Operated:
✔️ The gang used mule accounts to launder stolen money.
✔️ Victims were lured into fake trading platforms, where they saw fake profits before being asked for larger deposits.
✔️ Money was transferred to Cambodia, making recovery difficult.
4. Man Loses ₹7.4 Lakh in Fake Hotel Review Scheme 🏨💸
A private company employee from Hyderabad was duped of ₹7.4 lakh after being tricked into writing fake hotel reviews for promised rewards.
📌 Scam Details:
✔️ Victim was initially paid ₹8,250 to review five-star hotels.
✔️ To continue earning, he was asked to pay ‘processing fees’ through multiple bank accounts.
✔️ Completed 21 fake tasks, losing ₹7.4 lakh before realizing the scam.
5. ‘Safe Click’ Cyber Awareness Drive Launched in Madhya Pradesh 🔐📢
The Madhya Pradesh Police launched ‘Safe Click’, a statewide cyber awareness campaign to educate citizens about cyber threats.
📌 Initiative Highlights:
✔️ Focused on cyber fraud prevention in rural and urban areas.
✔️ Awareness programs conducted in schools, panchayats, and public places.
✔️ Special emphasis on financial scams, phishing, and online privacy.
6. Noida Police Recover ₹1.55 Crore Lost in Online Fraud 🏦✅
A businessman from Noida fell victim to a fraudulent email scam, transferring ₹1.55 crore to scammers posing as UK-based vendors.
📌 Recovery Process:
✔️ Cybercriminals forged emails to impersonate a legitimate supplier.
✔️ Victim transferred money to fake accounts, believing it was for a pending transaction.
✔️ Noida Cyber Crime Police traced the transactions and helped recover the amount in two months.
7. Senior Citizen in Vadodara Loses ₹1.28 Crore in Investment Scam 📉🚨
A Vadodara resident lost ₹1.28 crore after falling for a high-return investment scam via WhatsApp.
📌 How He Was Duped:
✔️ Victim was added to a WhatsApp group promising quick profits.
✔️ Initial investments showed fake profits, leading him to invest more.
✔️ Scammers locked him out of the account when he attempted withdrawals.
8. Bengaluru Police Crack Down on Cyber Fraudster Ring, Seven Held 🚔📱
The Bengaluru Cyber Crime Police dismantled a fraudster network operating out of Mysuru, arresting seven individuals involved in digital financial scams.
📌 Key Findings:
✔️ Fraudsters used Instagram to communicate with their handlers outside the state.
✔️ Recovered 9 mobile phones, 31 ATM cards, and 11 bank passbooks used for laundering money.
✔️ At least 28 victims were scammed using mule accounts flagged earlier by the Cyber Crime Helpline (1930).
9. Union Budget 2025 Allocates ₹1,900 Crore for Cybersecurity Protection 💰🛡️
The Indian government increased its cybersecurity budget to ₹1,900 crore to counter growing cyber fraud and digital crimes.
📌 Budget Highlights:
✔️ 67.8% of cybercrime complaints in India involve financial fraud.
✔️ New initiatives will focus on AI-powered cyber defense, fraud detection, and training cybersecurity professionals.
✔️ India lost ₹11,300 crore to online scams in 2024, per the Indian Cyber Crime Coordination Centre (I4C).
10. Kamothe Police & Colony Forum Host Cybercrime Awareness Session 👮♂️📢
To curb rising cyber fraud cases, the Kamothe Police in Navi Mumbai held an awareness session in Sector 36.
📌 Key Takeaways:
✔️ Residents were educated on common cyber scams and security tips.
✔️ Senior Police Inspector Vimal Bidve emphasized safe digital practices.
✔️ The community-driven initiative aims to prevent cyber fraud before it occurs.
11. Bengaluru Residents Lost ₹1,998 Crore to Cyber Fraud in 2024 💸📉
Despite awareness campaigns, cyber frauds in Bengaluru surged in 2024, with ₹1,998 crore stolen—almost three times more than 2023.
📌 Police Insights:
✔️ 17,560 cybercrime cases were reported, with 48 cases per day.
✔️ The Whitefield and South divisions recorded the highest fraud cases.
✔️ Investment scams and digital arrest frauds were the biggest contributors to financial losses.
12. Fake Cybercrime Reporting Website Discovered; FIR Registered ⚠️📲
A fraudulent cybercrime reporting portal was found tricking victims into paying ₹1,999 as a service fee to file complaints.
📌 Details of the Scam:
✔️ Cybercriminals used a Google-sponsored ad to promote a fake ‘Cyber Crime Complaint’ website.
✔️ Victims were scammed while trying to report cyber fraud cases.
✔️ An FIR has been registered against unknown fraudsters under Section 318(2) and 318(4) of the Indian Penal Code (IPC).
13. Quick E-FIR Filing for Cyber Crimes Coming Soon in India 🖥️🚀
The Ministry of Home Affairs is working on a National Cybercrime Reporting Portal (NCRP) upgrade to allow e-FIR filing for cyber fraud cases.
📌 New System Features:
✔️ Victims will be able to file complaints online and convert them into e-FIRs.
✔️ Focus on digital payment frauds, social media scams, and identity theft cases.
✔️ The initiative will streamline the reporting process and enhance investigation speed.
14. Aadhaar Update Scams Surge: Citizens Warned Against Fake Messages 📜⚠️
Cybercriminals are exploiting Aadhaar updates to trick citizens into revealing sensitive personal and banking information.
📌 How the Scam Works:
✔️ Victims receive fake Aadhaar update notifications via SMS and email.
✔️ They are directed to fraudulent websites posing as UIDAI (Unique Identification Authority of India).
✔️ Personal details are stolen and used for bank fraud and identity theft.
15. Bombay HC to Hear PIL for Enhanced Cybersecurity on Maharashtra Govt Websites 🏛️💻
A Public Interest Litigation (PIL) has been filed in the Bombay High Court seeking stronger cybersecurity for Maharashtra government websites.
📌 PIL Highlights:
✔️ IT Consultant Ruzbeh Dossabhoy Raja filed the petition, citing poor monitoring and security loopholes.
✔️ Government websites were found redirecting users to gambling portals, raising concerns of data theft.
✔️ The PIL urges the state to implement firewalls, intrusion detection systems, and updated content management platforms.
16. Delhi Police Bust Cyber Fraud Network, Arrest Three from Lucknow & Karnal 🚔💰
The Delhi Cyber Crime Police cracked down on a multi-state cyber fraud syndicate, arresting three key members operating in Lucknow and Karnal.
📌 Investigation Findings:
✔️ Scammers used VoIP services to impersonate CBI & TRAI officials.
✔️ Victims were threatened with legal action and coerced into transferring large sums of money.
✔️ Fraudsters leveraged cloud-based call systems like VOS 3000 to disguise their identities.
17. Cyber Frauds Jump 900% in Four Years; Small Cities Become Scam Hubs 📈⚠️
A 900% increase in cyber fraud cases has been recorded in the past four years, with Tier 2 and Tier 3 cities emerging as new hotspots for online scams.
📌 Key Data Insights:
✔️ Cybercriminals stole ₹33,165 crore from Indian citizens between 2021-2024.
✔️ Deoghar (Jharkhand), Nuh (Haryana), Mathura (UP), and Surat (Gujarat) reported the highest fraud cases.
✔️ Investment scams, fake job portals, and digital arrest frauds contributed to the spike.
18. Tamil Nadu Police Launch Hackathon to Tackle Cybercrime 🏆👨💻
The Tamil Nadu Cyber Crime Wing has initiated a Hackathon to develop AI-driven solutions for cyber fraud prevention.
📌 Hackathon Details:
✔️ 315 teams participated, with 54 advancing to the final round.
✔️ Challenges included VoIP call interception, de-anonymizing Tor Mail, and dark web surveillance.
✔️ Winning solutions will be implemented by law enforcement agencies.
19. Tamil Nadu Residents Lost ₹1,700 Crore to Cyber Frauds in 2024 💸🚨
Official cybercrime data from Tamil Nadu reveals ₹1,673 crore in losses due to online scams in 2024.
📌 Key Findings:
✔️ 46% of fraudulent transactions were frozen, saving victims ₹771 crore.
✔️ The Cyber Crime Helpline (1930) received 2.7 lakh calls last year.
✔️ 861 cybercriminals were arrested, with 35 detained under the Goondas Act.
20. MBVV Cyber Cell Recovers ₹1.37 Lakh Lost to Online Fraud 🔄💳
The Mira Bhayandar-Vasai Virar (MBVV) Cyber Cell successfully recovered ₹1.37 lakh lost by a victim to a malicious phishing link.
📌 Case Details:
✔️ The victim clicked a fraudulent link disguised as a bank verification request.
✔️ MBVV Police intervened within the Golden Hour (first 24 hours) to reverse the transaction.
✔️ Citizens are urged to report frauds immediately on 1930 or www.cybercrime.gov.in.
21. Cyber Police Kashmir Denies Claims of Pakistani Posters in Srinagar 🚔🚫
The Cyber Police in Kashmir dismissed reports from Pakistani media alleging that posters of PM Shehbaz Sharif and Army Chief Asim Munir were found in Srinagar.
📌 Official Response:
✔️ The false claims were spread through unverified social media handles.
✔️ Legal action is being taken against fake news propagators.
✔️ Citizens are advised to rely on verified news sources for accurate information.
🌍 International Cybersecurity Developments
1. Cracked and Nulled Cybercrime Marketplaces Dismantled in Global Operation 🌐🚔
A U.S.-led international operation took down two of the largest cybercrime forums, Cracked and Nulled, which facilitated hacking, data theft, and cyber fraud.
📌 Impact of the Operation:
✔️ Over 4 million registered users affected.
✔️ Marketplaces sold hacking tools, stolen data, and malware services.
✔️ Law enforcement seized multiple domains and arrested key administrators.
2. AI-Powered Cyber Threats: Hackers Exploiting Google’s Gemini 🤖⚠️
Cybersecurity experts report that threat actors from China, Iran, North Korea, and Russia are leveraging Google’s AI-powered Gemini to enhance cyber warfare operations.
📌 How Hackers Are Using AI:
✔️ Creating sophisticated phishing campaigns targeting defense organizations.
✔️ Automating reconnaissance on security professionals.
✔️ Analyzing military and aerospace vulnerabilities in the U.S. and Europe.
3. Hackers Hijack WordPress Sites to Spread Malware on Windows & Mac 🖥️🦠
Cybercriminals are exploiting outdated WordPress plugins to infect over 10,000 websites, spreading malware targeting both Windows and Mac users.
📌 How the Attack Works:
✔️ Victims are tricked into downloading a fake Chrome update, which installs malware.
✔️ The malware steals passwords and personal data.
✔️ Cybersecurity experts urge WordPress site owners to update their software.
4. US & Dutch Authorities Dismantle Pakistan-Based Cybercrime Network 🌍🚔
An international law enforcement operation dismantled a Pakistan-based cybercrime syndicate selling hacking tools, phishing kits, and stolen data.
📌 Impact of the Operation:
✔️ Dozens of domains linked to the group were seized.
✔️ The group, known as Saim Raza (HeartSender), sold hacking tools worldwide.
✔️ The US reported losses exceeding $3 million due to this syndicate.
5. DeepSeek AI Cyber Attack Raises Security Concerns 🤖🔓
A major cyber attack on Chinese AI startup DeepSeek exposed chat logs, backend data, and sensitive information, raising concerns about AI security.
📌 Key Findings:
✔️ The attack leaked API keys & user data, allowing cybercriminals to exploit AI-driven services.
✔️ AI tools are increasingly being targeted due to their access to sensitive data.
✔️ Experts warn of a growing trend of AI-driven cyber threats.
6. Cybersecurity Agencies Issue Security Guidance for Network Edge Devices 🔒🛜
Cybersecurity agencies from Five Eyes Nations (US, UK, Canada, Australia, New Zealand) released new security guidelines for edge devices.
📌 Security Recommendations:
✔️ Strengthen firewalls and VPN security to prevent unauthorized breaches.
✔️ Regularly update firmware and software patches.
✔️ Monitor IoT devices for potential data leaks and hacking attempts.
🔐 Closing Thoughts
Episode 17 wraps up with alarming cybercrime statistics, major financial losses, police crackdowns, and government initiatives to enhance digital security.
While cyber frauds surged by 900% in India, efforts like Tamil Nadu’s hackathon and Maharashtra’s cybersecurity PIL showcase proactive responses. Internationally, AI security breaches and network device vulnerabilities pose emerging threats.
Stay updated and cyber-aware! Join us next week for Episode 18 with more insights. Until then, stay vigilant and cyber-secured with Visionary Bose! 🌍🔐
By : Shivam Dharpure
Founder & Director