Enforcement Directorate files charges in massive 'pig-butchering' scam in India's Bengaluru
Cyber scam
Just days after Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi warned of 'digital arrests,' the nation's probe agencies have announced that it is ramping up its efforts to combat cyber crimes. The Enforcement Directorate (ED) in a statement on Saturday (Nov 2) announced that it has filed a prosecution complaint against eight individuals in Bengaluru, linked to a widespread scam involving "fake" Initial Public Offerings (IPOs) and deceptive investment applications targetting ordinary citizens.
What ED found
An ED probe has unveiled an extensive network of cyber scams operating within India, predominantly on social media platforms such as Facebook, Instagram, WhatsApp, and Telegram.
"Probe found that a huge network of cyber scams in India, involving fake stock market investments and digital arrest schemes are executed primarily through social media platforms like Facebook, Instagram, WhatsApp, and Telegram," said the ED in a statement.
Alo read |J&K L-G Manoj Sinha calls for strong action against terrorists after grenade blast in Srinagar
"Known as 'pig-butchering' scams, stock market investment scams entice victims with promises of high returns, using fake websites and misleading WhatsApp groups that appear connected to reputable financial firms," it added.
)
Lift accident? Maintenance, builders & makers are ALL liable now, rules Supreme Court: 3 major regulations | WION Decodes
)
The Royals enter the Doctor Who universe: King Charles and Queen Camilla beam into Commonwealth Games in TARDIS
)
Delhi Consumer Court fines Indian Railways Rs 25,000 for making RAC passengers share one blanket
)
India avoids higher US tariff, secures lower 10% rate. Here's how
)
Russia-Ukraine war: Putin mobilises more troops for Ukraine's war decisive invasion
)
Iran claims attack on US military bases in Jordan, Kuwait, alleges F-35s destroyed
)
'We have special forces': Netanyahu warns against any ICC arrest attempt abroad
)
'There needs to be a declaration of war': Trump wins Senate vote, but Cassidy draws red line on Iran
)
WATCH: 'Absolute chaos' at Spain-Morocco border; thousands breach Ceuta, at least 9 killed
)
CJP founder Abhijeet Dipke returns to Maharashtra, receives grand welcome in hometown
)
Brewery offering 'free beer' the day Trump dies has license revoked - 'Will have to pry me out of my taprooms'
)
China builds 500+ spy satellites as US space lead shrinks | Gravitas
)
3.6mn people track 24hr Qantas flight from Melbourne to Toulouse: Pilot shifts, fuel tank and other details
)
Spider-Man: Brand New Day X review: Tom Holland starrer wins hearts; netizens call it 'ABSOLUTE GOLD'
)
ED raids uncover ₹600 crore assets in Jharkhand illegal coal mining crackdown
)
'Hamas will disarm': Trump unveils 'historic' 20-point plan to end Gaza war. What's inside it?
)
British Airways flight comes close to 'nosediving' over London
)
NEET Protests riddled with misinformation? Delhi Police blocks 480 Pakistan-based handles spreading 'fake news' since Operation Sindoor
)
Hosts India sweep Malaysia for double gold in men’s and women’s Commonwealth Table Tennis finals
)
'Not sure': Trump pours cold water on Ukraine's Patriot missile dream after Zelensky's claim
)
Saudi leads 43 nations for new Red Sea naval coalition amid Houthi blockade
)
Trump says Iranian school bombing photos could be AI-generated - 'I don’t think...'
)
Kiara Advani reveals why she chose Toxic, says character offered her 'all the meat an actor longs for'
)
Giant iceberg flips violently near Greenland exposing its underside - 'I didn't know they could do that'
)
23ft python swallows man returning from party in Indonesia; family find body whole inside reptile
)
Ex-French pilot who praised Chinese fighters lands in China spy scandal. This is what we know
)
Anthropic reveals India is Claude AI's No. 2 market. But what are Indians actually using the AI for? | WION Decodes
)
582 tonnes, 150 million°C, 60 years: WION Decodes the mind-boggling numbers behind China's 'Artificial Sun'
)
Bizarre new material discovered in Hiroshima nuclear bombing debris | Gravitas
)
Karan Johar's The Traitors season 2 contestants: Rhea Chakraborty, Mallika Sherawat and Munawar Faruqui in the first batch
)
Indian forces used pellet guns on Jul 20? SC hearing, police diary entry, MLC report and injured protesters' claims
)
Student denied admission to IIT Kanpur's cybersecurity program hacks websites to prove a point
)
This Ramayana actor took ZERO fee from Rs 4000 crore film. Guess who?
)
Nearly Rs 29 crore cash, 15 kg gold found at ex-bus driver's house in West Bengal
The ED said that some of the victims of this scam were "manipulated" by fraudsters using fake arrests. Criminals pose as officials from agencies like the Customs Department or the Central Bureau of Investigation (CBI) to coerce victims into transferring large amounts of money by concocting scenarios that falsely implicate them in illegal activities. This method of psychological manipulation can devastate victims financially and emotionally.
The ED's chargesheet, filed on October 10, identifies the eight accused individuals asCharan Raj C, Kiran S K, Shahi Kumar M, Sachin M, Tamilarasan, Prakash R, Ajith R, and Aravindan, and24 associated shell companies. All accused individuals are currently in judicial custody, with the ED alleging that the total proceeds from these cybercrimes amount to an astonishing ₹159 crore.
According to the ED's findings, the perpetrators obtained numerous SIM cards linked to shell company bank accounts, which were then used to create untraceable WhatsApp accounts. This anonymity provided them with the means to execute their scams with a significantly reduced risk of detection. The criminals established 24 shell companies across Tamil Nadu, Karnataka, and other states to facilitate the laundering of the illicit proceeds.
Also read |EAM Jaishankar says India actively working for peace in Russia-Ukraine, Israel-Hamas conflicts
I4C issues public advisory
In light of the escalating threat, the Indian Cyber Crime Coordination Centre (I4C) issued a public advisory, urging people to "Beware of Digital Arrests". They cautioned that "those making video calls are not police, CBI, Customs officials or judges," but are, in fact, cybercriminals.
The advisory encourages anyone encountering such scams to report them promptly through the national cybercrime helpline at 1930 or by visiting the website www.cybercrime.gov.in.
Last month, during his 'Mann ki Baat' radio address on October 27, Prime Minister Modi emphasised the necessity of public awareness, encouraging citizens to adopt a mantra of "stop, think, and take action" when faced with potential scams.
(With inputs from agencies)
