Gurugram: Gurugram Police have busted one of the country’s largest organised cyber fraud networks, arresting 18 alleged cyber criminals involved in cheating thousands of people across India. Investigations have revealed that the gang carried out more than 2,356 fraud incidents, siphoning off nearly ₹8.79 crore by exploiting digital platforms and unsuspecting victims.
Police officials said the operation was carried out under the supervision of ACP Priyanshu Diwan. As part of the investigation, 17 mobile phones and 16 SIM cards recovered from the accused were sent to the Indian Cyber Crime Coordination Centre (I4C) for forensic and data analysis. The findings, officers said, exposed a well-structured and geographically spread cybercrime network.
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According to police records, 18 criminal cases linked to the accused have been registered across the country. Of these, 11 cases are from Haryana, including four registered in Gurugram alone. Interrogation revealed that the gang primarily targeted victims through three methods—fake stock market and online trading schemes promising high returns, fraudulent social media profiles and advertisements, and instant loan apps used to harvest personal data and extort money.
Social media and loan apps as key tools
Investigators said the gang posed as investment advisers and financial experts on social media platforms, particularly Instagram. Fake profiles and professionally designed advertisements were used to lure users with promises of quick and guaranteed profits. Victims were gradually persuaded to transfer money through links leading to bogus trading platforms.
In several cases, victims were shown small initial “profits” to build trust. Once confidence was established, they were encouraged to invest larger amounts, which were subsequently siphoned off.
Loan apps formed the second major pillar of the operation. The accused offered instant loans with minimal documentation, prompting victims to share sensitive personal details such as Aadhaar and PAN numbers, bank information and access to contact lists. This data was later used to intimidate victims, with threats of public shaming and repeated harassment calls to extract additional money.
I4C analysis exposes digital trail
Police officials said analysis by I4C played a crucial role in uncovering the gang’s modus operandi. The digital footprint revealed patterns of financial transactions, call records and device usage that confirmed the nationwide reach of the network. Investigators found that the accused frequently changed SIM cards and devices to evade detection and avoid linking multiple frauds to the same individuals.
The data also indicated that the accused operated in a coordinated manner, with different members handling victim outreach, financial transfers and technical aspects of the scams.
Victims across multiple states
Investigations revealed that victims were spread across northern, southern and eastern India. Several complainants told police they realised they had been cheated only after large sums had been withdrawn from their bank accounts or when they began receiving repeated threatening calls demanding further payments.
Police said many victims were reluctant to report the crime initially due to fear or embarrassment, which allowed the gang to continue its operations for an extended period.
Police advisory to the public
Gurugram Police have issued a public advisory urging people to remain cautious of investment offers circulated on social media, unsolicited calls promising high returns, and instant loan applications demanding access to personal data. Officers stressed that cyber criminals are constantly evolving their methods and that digital awareness is the most effective defence.
Citizens have been advised to verify investment platforms, avoid clicking on unknown links, and report suspicious activity immediately through official cybercrime channels.
Further investigation underway
Police said questioning of the arrested accused is ongoing and efforts are being made to identify other members linked to the network. Investigators are also tracing the movement of the defrauded money across bank accounts, digital wallets and payment gateways.
According to Gurugram Police, the crackdown is part of a broader campaign against organised cybercrime, and more arrests are expected as the investigation progresses. Authorities said similar networks operating in other regions will also face intensified scrutiny in the coming months.
About the author — Suvedita Nath is a science student with a growing interest in cybercrime and digital safety. She writes on online activity, cyber threats, and technology-driven risks. Her work focuses on clarity, accuracy, and public awareness.
