
Central Crime Branch (CCB) officials have busted a fraudulent ‘work from home’ scheme, resulting in the arrest of 11 individuals operating in Bengaluru, Hyderabad, and Mumbai.
Nationwide Impact
The police identified 30 frozen bank accounts linked to 2,143 cases across 28 states, with 265 cases reported in Karnataka. Transactions totaling ₹158 crore were conducted through these accounts.
Seized Assets
In Bengaluru alone, ₹62.8 lakh in cash, 11 mobile phones, and 15 SIM cards were recovered from the accused. These bank accounts were associated with 135 cases across 14 police stations in the city.
Investigation Origin
The investigation began following a complaint from a victim in BEL Layout, Vidyaranyapura, who lost ₹18.7 lakh online. CCB officials, led by Deputy Commissioner of Police Abdul Ahad, tracked down the culprits through bank transactions.
Modus Operandi
The scam involved sending messages on WhatsApp and Telegram, where the fraudsters posed as HR personnel offering work-from-home opportunities. They enticed victims with simple tasks, such as liking social media posts, promising quick returns. Subsequently, victims were lured into a fake investment scheme, leading to significant financial losses.
Organized Crime Syndicate
The accused had operated for a year as a well-organized crime syndicate with assigned roles. Some suspects may have operated from abroad. The racket, orchestrated by a kingpin believed to be in Dubai, involved operations across multiple locations.
Recovery Challenges
Despite the substantial amount involved, the recovery is expected to be lesser, as the accused promptly withdrew cash from the bank accounts. Efforts are underway to identify the properties of the accused for potential seizure and recovery.
Commission-Based Operators
Those arrested operated on a commission basis, making calls and sending messages to potential victims. The modus operandi included opening bank accounts in different cities with temporary local addresses and permanent addresses of Bengaluru.
International Connections
The operation had international dimensions, with key players suspected to be operating from abroad, including a kingpin believed to be based in Dubai. The accused maintained an elaborate network involving various roles and channels to carry out their fraudulent activities.