The Delhi Police Cyber Cell has arrested a 36-year-old man who once reported himself as a cyber-fraud victim, but later went on to operate what investigators describe as a structured online job scam targeting unemployed youth across multiple states. The accused, identified as Mohammad Mehtab Alam, is alleged to have orchestrated a fraudulent network valued at nearly ₹3 crore.
According to officials, Alam had himself approached police in 2018 after losing ₹999 in an online scam. However, over the next few years, he allegedly used similar techniques to deceive hundreds of unsuspecting job seekers.
The arrest was made under Operation CyberHawk, an ongoing crackdown on cybercrime networks active in the capital and beyond.
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Call-centre model used to lure job seekers
Investigators found that since 2019, Alam had been running a fake call-centre-style operation, recruiting callers, data handlers, and account operators. The syndicate targeted job seekers by offering positions in government departments, aviation services, private hospitals, and corporate companies.
Victims were contacted via phone and email, provided with fabricated interview schedules and confirmation letters, and then asked to deposit ₹2,500 to ₹15,000 as registration, document verification, or onboarding charges.
300 victims identified; assets and digital evidence seized
DCP (South-East) Dr. Hemant Tiwari said:
“So far, more than 300 victims have been identified. We have traced close to ₹3 crore worth of suspicious transactions, and the amount is likely to increase as further links emerge.”
During the search operation, police seized:
- 18 laptops
- 20 mobile phones
- 23 debit cards
- 16 bank accounts linked to the fraud
- Hard drives and data backup systems
Officials said the seized evidence indicates that the accused maintained detailed call logs, scripts, and digital payment tracking.
“A ₹999 scam changed everything”
During interrogation, Alam reportedly admitted that his first encounter with cybercrime became a turning point. Officials familiar with the questioning said he told investigators:
“When no action was taken on my complaint, I realised small-value frauds do not draw attention. Gradually, I started using the same process to make money.”
Police said Alam initially operated alone, but over time built a small team capable of handling calls, technical processes, and financial routing.
Case exposed after Shahin Bagh complaint
The racket came to light after a resident of Shaheen Bagh filed a complaint stating he had been duped of ₹13,500 in the name of a job offer. Digital forensic tracing and transaction trail analysis eventually led investigators to Mehtab Alam.
Further investigation under way
Police are now examining whether the network has links to larger interstate cybercrime groups or foreign handlers. Charges have been filed under relevant sections of the IT Act and IPC provisions related to cheating and criminal conspiracy. More arrests are expected.
