Deeg. Rajasthan Police has arrested 14 alleged cyber fraudsters in two separate operations under ‘Operation Countdown’, an ongoing drive against cybercrime in the state. According to police, the accused used social media and mobile phones to target people through different fraud schemes. Mobile phones, SIM cards and a motorcycle were seized during the operations. Police are now questioning the arrested suspects to gather information about their alleged network, bank accounts and other associates.
According to police, the main objective of the campaign is to identify and apprehend cybercriminals operating in the district and seize mobile phones, SIM cards and other resources allegedly used in online fraud. Around three days before the latest action, police had also arrested 11 alleged cyber fraudsters under the same campaign. The latest arrests have further expanded the crackdown on suspected cybercrime networks operating in the area.
Proposal for Conducting Cyber Crisis Drill, Tabletop Exercise (TTEx) & CCMP Readiness Exercise
The first operation was conducted jointly by Kaman police and the District Special Team (DST) Deeg. Twelve accused were arrested during the action. Police identified them as Zaheer, Moin, Rohan, Rizwan, Zahid Khan and Wasim Akram, residents of Sablana. Six others—Tamir Hussain, Aspak, Sohil, Robin, Qadil and Parvez—were identified as residents of Dhana. Police are questioning all the accused and examining their alleged links with other members of the cyber fraud network.
In the second operation, the police, cyber cell and DST teams arrested two young men from Didawali. The accused were identified as 20-year-old Ramavatar and 19-year-old Deepak. Police seized two mobile phones, two SIM cards and a motorcycle from them. Investigators are examining the seized devices and SIM cards for information about contacts, social media activity and suspected financial transactions.
According to police, the arrested suspects allegedly used several methods to commit online fraud. One of the alleged methods involved offering luxury hotel bookings at unusually low prices. The suspects allegedly contacted potential victims through social media or mobile phones, targeting people looking for hotel reservations. After offering attractive prices, they allegedly persuaded victims to make payments, after which the money was reportedly transferred to accounts allegedly used in the fraud.
The accused also allegedly targeted people by promising to arrange good-quality dairy buffaloes. They allegedly contacted prospective buyers online, offered to arrange the animals and demanded advance payments after claiming that the deal had been finalised. Police suspect that after receiving the money, the accused either stopped communicating with victims or used different excuses to demand additional payments.
Police also alleged that some of the suspects were involved in online blackmail and intimidation. In some cases, they allegedly posed as acquaintances or police officers and threatened victims to extract money. Mobile phones and social media platforms were allegedly used as the primary means of contacting potential victims and carrying out the suspected fraud.
Investigators are now trying to determine the extent of the alleged network through questioning of the arrested suspects. Bank accounts, mobile numbers, SIM cards and digital transaction trails are being examined to establish how the alleged fraud was carried out and where the money went. Police are also trying to identify other people who may have been involved and determine whether the arrested suspects were working independently or as part of a larger network.
The investigation will also focus on the digital evidence recovered during the operations. Details stored on mobile phones, call records, social media interactions and transaction-related information could help investigators establish links between the accused and potential victims or other suspected members of the network.
Police officials said action under ‘Operation Countdown’ would continue against suspected cybercriminals in the district. Along with arrests, the campaign is focusing on identifying and seizing resources allegedly used for cyber fraud. Further action will be taken based on the information obtained during interrogation and the examination of digital and financial evidence. The allegations against the arrested individuals remain subject to investigation and further legal proceedings.
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.
Follow for daily updates on cybercrime, corporate fraud, DFIR, hacking, investigations, and digital forensics
