Jaipur: Authorities are preparing major action against a cyber fraud network accused of siphoning off crores of rupees by infiltrating beneficiary data of government welfare schemes. Rajasthan Police has approached the court seeking permission to attach properties allegedly acquired through fraud. The case is linked to a cyber fraud racket involving the PM-Kisan Samman Nidhi scheme.
Operation Shutdown and the Scale of the Racket
Police said the gang operated in an organised manner for a long period by manipulating government beneficiary records to carry out financial fraud. It is alleged that members of the network added the names of relatives and acquaintances to the eligible beneficiary list to illegally receive payments. Commission was also collected through agents, and the money was later invested in movable and immovable assets.
So far, 51 accused have been arrested in the case, including the alleged mastermind. Investigators said the racket is among the largest organised cyber fraud networks detected in the state. To dismantle the network, “Operation Shutdown” was launched on October 22 last year.
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How Beneficiary Records Were Allegedly Manipulated
Police stated that the gang members worked in defined roles. Some accused illegally accessed beneficiary data from government portals, while others manipulated records to insert fake names into official lists. The fraud proceeds were then transferred through multiple layers and converted into property and assets to conceal the source of the money.
Assets Purchased With Fraud Proceeds
Investigations revealed that a large volume of sensitive digital data was recovered from the accused. This includes usernames and passwords of government officials’ SSO and PMK accounts. Farmer registration records from Rajasthan and several other states were also seized.
According to the Superintendent of Police, an application has been filed in court seeking attachment of 22 houses, 8 plots, 2 agricultural lands, 1 shop, along with 16 cars, 18 motorcycles, 1 tractor, and a factory. The probe found that the fraud money was used to purchase expensive vehicles and properties.
SOG Investigation and Expanding Cybersecurity Concerns
The investigation of this cyber fraud network has now been transferred to the Special Operations Group (SOG). Officials said technical evidence, server logs, and financial transaction records are being examined in detail to uncover the entire network.
Experts believe that digital platforms linked to government welfare schemes are becoming new targets for cybercriminals. Large-scale data theft and record manipulation cases have highlighted the need to strengthen cybersecurity measures in administrative systems. Police officials said that investigation is ongoing to identify other suspects linked to the network, and further arrests and property seizure actions may follow in the future.
