Niwai: Dattwas Police and the District Special Team (DST) in Rajasthan’s Tonk district have busted an alleged cyber fraud network in a joint operation. Police have arrested 11 accused in the case. Preliminary investigation indicates that the accused were allegedly linked to cyber fraud estimated at nearly ₹2 crore. Police also found 81 online complaints against the suspected network on the National Cyber Crime Reporting Portal (NCRP). Investigators have further identified the alleged use of 396 fake SIM cards.
According to police, two Bolero vehicles, a Swift car, 12 mobile phones, one laptop, five ATM cards and ₹37,000 in cash were recovered from the accused. The seized electronic devices and SIM cards are being examined as key evidence. Police are conducting technical analysis to identify other members of the network and trace the flow of the suspected fraud proceeds.
Cyber Fraud Network Allegedly Active for Four Years
Preliminary investigation suggests that the accused had allegedly been active in the cyber fraud network for around four years. They reportedly contacted potential victims through social media platforms such as WhatsApp and Instagram.
The accused allegedly lured people with promises of making quick money or earning substantial profits through online investments. Once victims were convinced, they were allegedly directed to transfer money into different bank accounts.
Police also suspect that fake PhonePe applications and fraudulent investment links were used to make the schemes appear genuine. Victims were allegedly shown misleading digital interfaces and investment-related information before being persuaded to transfer funds.
396 Fake SIM Cards Used to Maintain Multiple Numbers
The alleged use of 396 fake SIM cards has emerged as a significant aspect of the investigation. Police suspect that the large number of SIM cards may have been used to maintain multiple communication channels and conceal the identities of individuals involved in the operation.
Investigators are examining the documents used to obtain the SIM cards, the individuals or entities that supplied them and the devices in which they were activated. SIM records are also being matched with mobile phones, social media accounts and suspected banking transactions.
The analysis could help investigators determine which numbers were used to contact victims, which were connected to banking activity and whether the same devices or individuals were operating multiple numbers.
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81 Cybercrime Complaints Linked to Suspected Network
According to police, 81 online complaints from different parts of the country have been found to have possible links with the suspected network. However, investigators are still verifying the complaints, the amount involved in each case and the specific role of the arrested accused.
Police are examining whether the mobile numbers, bank accounts, SIM cards and digital links mentioned in different complaints are connected. The exercise is expected to help investigators establish how the alleged network operated and identify the people who ultimately benefited from the suspected fraud proceeds.
Fake PhonePe App and Investment Links Under Scanner
The suspected use of a fake PhonePe application is another important part of the investigation. Fraudsters can use imitation payment interfaces or fraudulent links to create the appearance of a legitimate transaction or investment platform.
In this case, police are examining the alleged fake application, investment links and digital material recovered from the accused to determine how victims were approached and persuaded to transfer money.
Investigators are also checking whether the alleged investment schemes were promoted through social media profiles, WhatsApp groups or direct messages.
11 Accused Arrested, Digital Devices Seized
The arrested accused have been identified as Anshuman Singh, Namonarayan, Sonu, Vijendra, Rahul, Mahesh, Manish, Arvind Meena, Saurabh, Ritesh and Rohit Meena. Police said they are being questioned to establish their individual roles in the alleged operation.
Forensic examination of the seized mobile phones and laptop is being conducted to analyse WhatsApp and Instagram conversations, investment links, activities involving the alleged fake application, bank accounts and financial transactions. The five ATM cards and recovered vehicles are also being examined as part of the investigation.
How the Alleged Investment Scam Worked
According to the preliminary investigation, the alleged operation combined social engineering with digital payment methods. Potential victims were reportedly approached online and presented with opportunities to earn money or generate high returns through investments.
After establishing contact, the accused allegedly directed victims towards investment links and payment accounts. Police suspect that the alleged fake PhonePe application and other digital material were used to reinforce the impression that the transactions were legitimate.
Investigators are now attempting to reconstruct the entire process, from the initial communication with victims to the movement of money through bank accounts.
Social Engineering Remains a Key Cyber Fraud Tool
Renowned cyber crime expert and former IPS officer Prof. Triveni Singh said cyber fraud networks increasingly combine technology with social engineering to establish credibility before extracting money from victims. According to him, fake investment platforms, fraudulent payment applications and multiple communication numbers can be used to create an appearance of legitimacy and persuade victims to make financial transactions.
He said promises of unusually high or guaranteed returns, unknown investment links, requests to transfer money into personal accounts and unexpected digital payment instructions should be treated as major warning signs. Investors should independently verify the platform, company and individuals involved before transferring money.
How to Report an Online Investment Scam in India
Anyone who loses money in an online investment or payment fraud should report the incident immediately through the 1930 cybercrime helpline and the National Cyber Crime Reporting Portal. Prompt reporting can give banks and law-enforcement agencies an opportunity to trace or freeze funds before they are transferred through additional accounts.
People should also preserve transaction IDs, screenshots, phone numbers, WhatsApp conversations, website or application links and other digital evidence rather than deleting them.
Investigation Continues Into Wider Cyber Fraud Network
Dattwas Police are now analysing the seized digital devices, banking records and 396 SIM cards to establish further links within the suspected network. Verification of the 81 cybercrime complaints and analysis of the financial trail connected to the alleged ₹2 crore fraud could lead to further revelations and additional arrests.
The allegations against the arrested individuals remain subject to investigation and judicial proceedings.
About the author — Ananya Aradhya writes on cybercrime, fraud, scams, cybersecurity, digital safety, and emerging threats. Her work also covers major criminal cases, financial frauds, consumer scams, and stories that highlight risks affecting people in the real and digital world.
