Cyber Crime
Top 10 Daily Cybercrime Brief by FCRF [29.11.2024]: Click here to Know More
Important global cybercrime news has been curated by FutureCrime Researchers to keep you informed about various types of digital fraud occurring worldwide and to provide insights into the best mitigation strategies. Read below to learn more in detail.
1. Rs 40 Lakh Recovered from Cybercriminals in AMC Fraud Case
Asansol Durgapur Police Commissionerate (ADPC) recovered Rs 40 lakh siphoned from Asansol Municipal Corporation’s bank account by cybercriminals. Five suspects, including two from Madhya Pradesh, were arrested. The cybercrime involved forging signatures and depositing a canceled cheque. Quick action prevented an additional Rs 80 lakh fraud. Investigations are ongoing.
2. UP Man Arrested in Bhopal for Involvement in ‘Digital Arrest’ Fraud
The Bhopal cyber-crime branch arrested one in Mahoba, UP, for selling SIM cards fraudulently obtained using Aadhaar details to cybercriminals involved in a “digital arrest” scam. He issued multiple SIMs per customer, selling them at inflated prices. Police are tracking others linked to the scam. Investigations continue.
3. 90-Year-Old Duped of Rs 1.15 Crore in ‘Digital Arrest’ Scam
Five cybercriminals extorted Rs 1.15 crore from a 90-year-old Surat resident by impersonating officials from Mumbai Police, CBI, and ED. They digitally “arrested” him for 18 days, threatening his family. Police caught the gang red-handed withdrawing Rs 9.5 lakh and linked them to 28 cyber frauds across 14 states.
4. Gurugram: IndusInd Bank Manager Held for Cyber Fraud
An IndusInd Bank assistant manager, was arrested for duping a man of Rs 35.69 lakh under the pretext of stock market investments. He opened a fraudulent account for cybercriminals, receiving Rs 30,000 as commission. Two accomplices are already in custody. Police continue investigating the case.
5. Rs 1.15 Crore Cyber Fraud: Senior Citizen Cheated, Five Bankers Arrested for Assisting Scammers
Five bank employees, including a deputy manager, were arrested for aiding cybercriminals in defrauding a senior citizen of Rs 1.15 crore. Posing as central agency officers, the scammers threatened the victim and siphoned his savings. Police froze Rs 63.6 lakh, recovered Rs 20 lakh in cash, and continue investigations.
INTERNATIONAL
6. Lee Highlights Hong Kong’s Role in Global Cybercrime Combat
Hong Kong Chief Executive John Lee emphasized the city’s commitment to combating technology crimes at the Asia-Pacific Prosecutors’ Conference. Highlighting rising cybercrime and cryptocurrency misuse, Lee outlined efforts to enhance cyber infrastructure security and prosecutorial standards. Justice Secretary Paul Lam stressed international collaboration and technology-driven strategies to outsmart criminals globally.
ALSO READ: Nominate Top CISOs for Prestigious FutureCrime Summit 2025 Honors
7. Europol Busts Illegal IPTV Networks, Arrests 11
Europol and European law enforcement dismantled a massive illegal IPTV streaming network, arresting 11 suspects linked to pirating 2,500+ channels for 22 million users globally. The operation, generating €3 billion annually, involved money laundering, cybercrime, and fraud. Raids seized servers, cryptocurrency, cash, and exposed sophisticated evasion tactics. Investigations continue.
8. Critical Cybersecurity Risks Threaten South Africa’s Government IT Systems
South Africa’s government IT systems face critical security risks, as revealed by a whistle-blower and experts. Vulnerabilities threaten global safety through cybercrimes and identity fraud. The Cybercrimes Act (2020) provides a legislative framework, but effective enforcement, international cooperation, and public-private collaboration are crucial to counter evolving cyber threats and safeguard national security.
9. Kenyans Arrested in Global Ksh1.1B Card Fraud Sting
A joint Interpol-Afripol operation, codenamed ‘Serengeti,’ arrested 24 Kenyans for Sh1.1 billion credit card fraud targeting Kenyan banks. The scheme redistributed $8.6 million via SWIFT Codes to global accounts. Across 19 African nations, 1,006 suspects were arrested, disrupting cybercrime networks. Kenya’s cybercrime fight strengthens with Budapest Convention membership.
10. Propertyrec Data Leak Exposes 500,000+ Background Check Records
A data breach at Propertyrec exposed over 713 GB of sensitive data, including names, addresses, criminal records, and employment details, due to an unsecured database. Security researcher Jeremiah Fowler warned of identity theft and phishing risks. The incident highlights the urgent need for robust data protection measures by companies handling personal information.
