Visionary Vigilance: Cybersecurity Weekly Digest – Episode 22
In this week’s edition of Visionary Vigilance, we uncover the most shocking cyber incidents from across India and the globe. From child exploitation busts and high-level sextortion rackets to crypto laundering and deepfake-powered scams — Episode 22 reveals the growing sophistication and scale of digital deception. With Google flagging over 500 million scam messages monthly and even ex-defense personnel falling victim, it’s clear that no one is immune. This digest delivers real cases, expert insights, and urgent warnings to help you stay informed and protected in an increasingly connected world. 📍 Don’t just read—stay alert, stay ahead.
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6/22/20253 min read
🧑💻 1. IIT Graduate Among 15 Held in Telangana for Child Porn Distribution
In a major state-wide operation, Telangana Police cracked down on child pornography by arresting 15 individuals, including an IIT graduate employed at a top firm.
📍 Investigations were triggered by 57 cyber tipline complaints, leading to 34 FIRs under POCSO and IT Act.
📌 This operation highlights the dangerous misuse of technology, even by highly educated individuals, to spread illegal content.
👉 The arrests took place across Hyderabad, Warangal, and other districts.
🔗 Full Story
📱 2. Delhi Police Bust Sextortion and Bank Fraud Network
Delhi Police arrested two key individuals operating a sextortion and telecom fraud racket.
🕵️ Manish, a telecom agent, used fake biometrics to issue duplicate SIMs used in blackmail schemes.
💰 Vipin, 20, created and sold synthetic bank accounts for laundering extorted money.
🎯 The frauds affected more than 100 victims nationwide, revealing how easily trust can be weaponized online.
🔗 Read the Report
💰3. Chinese-Linked Cyber Scam Network Busted in Jaipur
Three young men from Jaipur were arrested for defrauding victims via a hotel review scam.
💡 Victims were promised money for posting reviews, then tricked into transferring money.
📲 Within 20 minutes, the money was converted to USDT and sent to a Chinese wallet via Telegram.
⚠️ This case illustrates how crypto and anonymity apps are being used for global-scale scams.
🔗 Full Article
🎖️ 4. Ex-IAF Officer Loses ₹1 Crore in 'Digital Arrest' Scam
A retired Indian Air Force officer fell victim to a frighteningly realistic scam where fraudsters impersonated government officials.
📞 The victim was told he was involved in money laundering and could face a 'digital arrest'.
📹 Video calls with fake cops and legal threats pressured him into transferring ₹1 Cr.
💔 A classic example of psychological manipulation that leveraged fear and authority.
🔗 Full Coverage
💳 5. Ahmedabad Trader Loses ₹1.42 Lakh in Overseas Credit Card Fraud
Despite no OTP being shared, an Ahmedabad-based businessman saw ₹1.42 lakh vanish from his RBL Bank credit card.
🌐 The transactions occurred in Hong Kong under the name “Adidas, Kwun Tong”.
💡 A suspected case of card cloning or data breach, showing that cybercrime doesn’t always require user error.
📣 The bank initially froze the amount, but later demanded repayment—prompting a police complaint.
🔗 Read More
🕵️♀️ 6. Mumbai Woman Duped of ₹22 Lakh Over Espionage Accusation
A 64-year-old woman was accused of spying for Pakistan by fraudsters posing as Delhi ATS and J&K police.
📞 They claimed she had leaked sensitive info and would face jail unless she paid up.
🪪 Even fake ID cards were sent to convince her.
📉 In fear of national shame and legal action, she paid ₹22 lakh.
👉 This is Mumbai’s first reported espionage-themed cyber fraud.
🔗 Complete Report
🤖 7. Google Flags 500M Scam Messages Monthly Amid Cybercrime Surge
As cybercrime in India escalates, Google has unveiled its AI-powered Safety Charter.
🚨 Highlights:
Over 500 million scam texts blocked monthly
2.9M user accounts suspended for policy violations
₹13,000 Cr in fraud prevented via Google Pay in 2024
🧠 Google’s AI is now being integrated with the DigiKavach initiative to educate and protect users.
🔗 Learn More
🌍 GLOBAL INSIGHTS
🌐 8. Israel-Linked Hackers Allegedly Breach Iran's Largest Crypto Exchange
Cyber group Predatory Sparrow claims to have hacked Iran’s Nobitex exchange, leaking code, user data, and allegedly stealing $90M in crypto.
🧨 The incident could severely impact Iran’s fintech ecosystem.
🌐 The hackers are believed to be state-backed actors aligned with Israeli interests.
🔗 Full Article
🌐 9. Global Cybercrime Losses May Hit $13.82 Trillion by 2028 – Google Warns
Google's forecast shows a massive financial impact looming from unchecked cybercrime.
💼 Over 247M malicious ads were removed in 2024.
🛡️ AI-powered tools are being enhanced to fight emerging threats like voice cloning and deepfakes.
📢 Safety is being embedded into every layer of Google’s infrastructure.
🔗 Read the Outlook Report
🔒 Closing Thoughts
As the digital world expands, so do the methods and motives of cybercriminals. Episode 22 reveals just how far cyber threats have evolved—from deepfake scams and SIM cloning to global crypto hacks and psychological manipulation like 'digital arrests.'
What we’ve learned this week:
🎯 Even the most educated and experienced individuals can fall victim.
🧠 Cybercriminals are using advanced tools like AI, Telegram, and cryptocurrency to erase trails and evade detection.
🤝 Thankfully, law enforcement and tech giants are fighting back—but awareness is still our first and strongest defense.
Let these stories serve as both a warning and a wake-up call: being online means being vigilant.
🛡️ Share this post, educate those around you, and join us in creating a safer digital ecosystem.
By: Shivam Dharpure
Founder & Director