In a major crackdown on cybercrime, Mokokchung Police have dismantled a fraud network allegedly involved in cheating people using forged court orders and fake police documents. A man identified as Anupam Kumar Singh, a resident of Siwan in Bihar, has been arrested in connection with the case. Police said the cyber fraud network is suspected to have caused financial losses exceeding ₹3 crore.
Forged Magistrate Order Triggers Probe
During the investigation, authorities found that the accused had sent a forged court order through email, falsely claiming it was issued by the ‘Judicial Magistrate First Class, Mokokchung’. Officials later confirmed that no such judicial designation exists in Mokokchung, proving that the document was completely fabricated. Fake seals, signatures and government insignia were also used in the counterfeit order.
The case came to light after a staff member of the Mokokchung District Court reported a suspicious email to authorities. Following the complaint, police registered a case on January 14 under Sections 319(2) and 338 of the Bharatiya Nyaya Sanhita (BNS) and Section 66D of the Information Technology Act and initiated an investigation.
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Shillong Raid Leads to Arrest
Based on technical forensic analysis, call detail record examination and banking transaction scrutiny, the Special Investigation Team (SIT) managed to trace the accused. Police obtained an arrest warrant from the Mokokchung court and conducted a raid in Shillong, Meghalaya, leading to the arrest of the suspect on February 20. Police forces from East Khasi Hills and Shillong also assisted in the operation.
Mule Account Money Laundering Scheme
Investigators further revealed that the accused was allegedly running an organised cheating scheme. He prepared fake police reports and court orders and sent them to banks and other institutions. Through this method, he allegedly pressured financial organisations to freeze innocent victims’ accounts and later diverted the money into mule bank accounts under his control.
Ongoing Probe and Public Warning
Preliminary assessment suggests that victims suffered losses of approximately ₹3 crore due to the cyber fraud network. Police are now working to identify possible accomplices and trace the complete financial trail of transactions. Efforts are also underway to recover the defrauded money.
Mokokchung Police warned citizens and banking institutions against trusting suspicious emails, phone calls or messages. Authorities specifically advised people to verify the authenticity of any communication claiming to be from government officials before acting on it. People were urged to immediately report suspicious activities to the police.
The Superintendent of Police praised the investigation team, stating that coordinated action and professional technical analysis made the arrest possible. Officials emphasised that continuous vigilance, financial monitoring and public awareness are essential to counter evolving cybercrime methods.
The accused is currently in police custody and is being interrogated. Investigators are also examining whether other cybercriminals operating in different states or countries are connected to the network. Further action in the case is underway.
About the author – Rehan Khan is a law student and legal journalist with a keen interest in cybercrime, digital fraud, and emerging technology laws. He writes on the intersection of law, cybersecurity, and online safety, focusing on developments that impact individuals and institutions in India.
