Cyber Crime
Top 10 Daily Cybercrime Brief by FCRF [21.12.2024]: 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. Two Apprehended in Odisha and Kerala for Separate Cybercrime Incidents
Kanathala Vasudeva Reddy, 25, was arrested at Delhi airport for selling over 500 SIM cards to cyber fraudsters. His arrest followed an investigation into a Rs 10.84 lakh stock market fraud. Police uncovered his role after arresting an accomplice and issuing a lookout notice.
2. 16 Fraudsters Arrested for Rs 71.15 Crore Cyber Heist Across India
Gurugram Police arrested 16 cybercriminals linked to Rs 71.15 crore fraud affecting 6,103 victims nationwide. The accused used scams like fake investments and sextortion. Police recovered Rs 83.41 crore this year and warned citizens to avoid dubious online offers and sharing personal details.
ALSO READ: Nominate Top Cyber Journalists for FutureCrime Summit 2025 Awards
3. Software Engineer Falls Victim to Rs 1.35 Lakh Online Fraud
An Indore software engineer, Mohit Maurya, was duped of Rs 1.35 lakh by scammers posing as officials. They coerced him into transferring money under the pretext of avoiding legal trouble. Police intervened after a friend alerted them, tracing the victim and disrupting the fraud.
4. Cyber Fraudsters Target Stock Market Investors in Pune
Cybercriminals duped four individuals in Pune out of Rs 42.61 lakh through fake stock market investment schemes. Victims included a 58-year-old man losing Rs 18 lakh and a 43-year-old woman losing Rs 10.15 lakh. Fraudsters exploited promises of high returns. Police have registered cases under the Information Technology Act.
ALSO READ : Call for Papers on AI/ML in Predictive Policing and Digital Forensics for FutureCrime Summit 2025
5. CBI Uncovers Rs 260 Crore Global Cyber Fraud Syndicate in Delhi-NCR
The CBI exposed a Rs 260 crore cyber fraud syndicate led by Tushar Kharbanda in Delhi-NCR. Targeting foreign nationals, the group operated a fake call center with over 150 tele-callers. Using advanced techniques, they laundered funds via cryptocurrency. Chargesheets were filed under IPC and IT Act against three accused.
INTERNATIONAL
6. NetWalker Ransomware Operator Sentenced for Targeting Hundreds of Organizations
Romanian Daniel Hulea was sentenced to 20 years for deploying NetWalker ransomware, targeting global organizations, especially during COVID-19. He extorted $21.5 million in Bitcoin, funding luxury investments. His arrest and extradition mark a major victory in combating ransomware attacks.
7. Fraud Alert: Beware of the Resurgence of QR Code Scams
Fraudsters misuse QR codes to steal money or data, often by replacing genuine codes with malicious ones. Scams include fake payment requests and phishing links. To stay safe, verify sources, inspect codes, and avoid sharing sensitive information or scanning random QR codes.
8. Russian-Israeli National Charged in Connection with LockBit Ransomware Attacks
Rostislav Panev, a developer for the Lockbit ransomware group, was charged for attacks on over 2,500 global victims, extorting $500 million. His arrest follows international efforts to dismantle ransomware operations, with experts noting reduced Lockbit activity due to enforcement actions.
9. Ukraine Suffers Widespread Cyber Assault Amid Escalating Tensions
Russia was blamed for a massive cyberattack on Ukraine’s state registers, disrupting critical infrastructure. Authorities are restoring systems and investigating under war crime statutes. Cyberattacks targeting Ukraine’s services have intensified since Russia’s 2022 invasion, aiming to destabilize essential operations.
10. Project Atlas Thwarts $70 Million Crypto Fraud, Recovers Stolen Assets
Ontario’s Project Atlas disrupted cryptocurrency fraud schemes, preventing $70 million in theft and freezing $24 million in losses. By identifying over 2,000 fraudulent wallet addresses across 14 countries, the initiative highlights the importance of global collaboration to combat crypto scams.
