Cyber Crime
Top 10 Daily Cybercrime Brief by FCRF [23.12.2024]: Click here to Know More
Important global cybercrime news has been curated by FutureCrime Researchers to keep you informed about various types of digital fraud occurring worldwide and to provide insights into the best mitigation strategies. Read below to learn more in detail.
1. Gurugram Cyber Police Arrests Man Behind Illegal SIM Card Racket in Tamil Nadu
Gurugram Cyber Police arrested a man from Tamil Nadu for running an illegal SIM card racket. A Malaysian, smuggled over 150 SIM cards to Malaysia for cyber fraud. Arrested with foreign documents and currency, his role was exposed during a Rs 2.81 crore stock investment scam investigation.
2. Godavarikhani Woman Loses Rs 31.6 Lakh to Cyber Fraud; One Suspect Arrested
Cybercrime officials arrested, a Zomato delivery boy, for aiding a Rs 31.6 lakh fraud in Telangana. A woman was duped into investing in a fake part-time job scheme. The man, tracked to Hyderabad, confessed to opening bank accounts for scammers led by another man, operating abroad. Investigations are ongoing.
3. Businessman Scammed of Rs 62 Lakh in Cyber Fraud Scheme
A businessman from Vadodara lost Rs 62 lakh to cyber fraudsters through a fake stock investment scheme promising 600% returns. Lured via an Instagram ad, he transferred funds to scammers who faked profits and even refunded Rs 47,000 to gain trust. Suspicious, he reported the fraud to cyber police. Investigations continue.
4. Mumbai Senior Citizen Loses Rs 18 Lakh in Fake Digital Arrest Scam
A 64-year-old Jalgaon man lost Rs 18 lakh in a digital arrest scam. Posing as officials, scammers accused him of money laundering, placed him under ‘digital arrest,’ and coerced him into transferring mutual funds for verification. Realizing the fraud after no refund, he reported it to cyber police. Investigations are underway.
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5. Hyderabad Man Caught for Running Mule Account for Cybercriminals
Cybercrime police arrested, an AC technician, for operating mule accounts linked to a Rs 3.16 lakh fraud. He opened three accounts for commissions and provided details to a man named Ilyas. Police revealed cybercriminals exploit such accounts for laundering, as seen in a Rs 175 crore SBI branch scam earlier.
INTERNATIONAL
6. PLAC Report Exposes Violence and Human Rights Violations in Nigeria
PLAC’s 2024 report highlights widespread human rights abuses in Nigeria, including extrajudicial killings, police brutality, and gender-based violence. Over 526 were killed and 949 kidnapped in violent attacks. PLAC urged urgent law enforcement reforms, better protection for vulnerable groups, and accountability in enforcing laws like the cybercrime and taxation acts.
7. Project Atlas Foils $70M Crypto Fraud, Recovers Millions in Stolen Assets
The Ontario Provincial Police’s Project Atlas thwarted over $70 million in cryptocurrency theft and froze $24 million in fraudulent losses. Collaborating globally, investigators identified 2,000 fraud-linked crypto wallets across 14 countries. The initiative raised awareness about crypto investment scams and emphasized proactive, victim-centered approaches to combating sophisticated cyber fraud schemes.
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8. Santee Remains Tight-Lipped on Cyber Attack and Data Recovery Contract
Santee faced a cyberattack in August, prompting a $603,000 contract with Coveware for ransomware recovery. Details remain scarce as investigations continue. Officials assured no public safety risks. Cyberattacks on governments, like Santee’s, are rising, second only to healthcare, with ransom demands fueling ongoing threats to critical systems nationwide.
9. Court Grants N1 Billion Bail to 109 Foreign Nationals in Fraudulent Gambling Case
The Nigeria Police raided a Jahi, Abuja building linked to high-level cybercrimes, arresting suspects allegedly involved in national security threats. Led by AIG Benneth Igweh and the National Cyber Crime Centre, the operation highlights Nigeria’s escalating cybercrime challenges, with businesses facing 2,560 attacks weekly, according to CSCS CEO Haruna Jalo-Waziri.
10. Infosec Experts Debate AI’s Role in Enhancing Red Team Operations
Generative AI’s role in cybersecurity divides experts. While it aids red teams by identifying vulnerabilities faster, concerns arise over its transparency, over-reliance, and legality. Panelists at Canalys APAC Forum highlighted its potential for automation but warned of regulatory gaps. Experts argue AI suits penetration tests more than stealth-focused red teaming.
