Three arrested

Thane: In a significant breakthrough, the Thane Crime Branch Cyber Financial Crime Branch has apprehended three individuals involved in an international fraud operation using over 3,000 SIM cards. The arrests were made following a detailed investigation into a case registered at Chitalsar Police Station.

According to Parag Manere, Deputy Commissioner of Police, Cyber Financial Crime Branch, the gang operated by obtaining SIM cards under false identities from mobile service providers across various states. These SIM cards were then used in fraudulent activities, including luring victims through fake investment apps and siphoning off funds.

The investigation uncovered that the accused orchestrated the scam from locations outside Maharashtra and abroad, utilizing sophisticated methods to evade detection. The operation came to light after a victim reported a financial loss of Rs. 29.3 lakhs due to fraudulent share trading promises made via a mobile link.

During the raid conducted post-arrest, the police seized critical evidence including 779 mobile SIM cards, a laptop, two WiFi routers, 23 mobile handsets, 50 debit and credit cards, along with bank cheque books and cash. Analysis of these seized items revealed links to multiple bank accounts involved in financial malpractice across several states, including Rajasthan, Haryana, Andhra Pradesh, Madhya Pradesh, Telangana, Gujarat, and Kerala.

Deputy Commissioner Manere highlighted that the arrested individuals confessed to using up to 3,000 SIM cards in their fraudulent activities, with operations extending to cyber networks in countries such as Cambodia, Dubai, and China.

The Thane Police have urged citizens to remain vigilant against cyber scams, advising against clicking on unknown links or sharing OTPs with anyone. The investigation remains ongoing as authorities work to uncover additional members of the criminal network involved in these illicit activities.