Cyber Crime
Top 10 Daily Cybercrime Brief by FCRF [31.01.2025]: 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. Hyderabad, Bengaluru Bankers Arrested for Aiding Cyber Criminals with Mule Accounts
Hyderabad police arrested three senior bank officials, including two from Bengaluru, for aiding cyber fraudsters in opening mule accounts for hefty commissions. The arrests are part of a crackdown across nine states, uncovering 33 cybercrime cases worth Rs 8.8 crore. Police urged RBI to strengthen banking safeguards against such fraud.
2. PCMC Cyber Crime Unit Cracks International Scam, Arrests Six
Pimpri-Chinchwad Police arrested six individuals linked to an international cyber fraud network operating from Cambodia. The accused facilitated fraudulent transactions through mule accounts across India. Investigators uncovered thousands of bank accounts used in scams, including Jan Dhan Yojana accounts. Authorities are coordinating with international agencies to track stolen funds.
3. Fraudsters Set Up Fake ‘Cyber Fraud Complaint’ Website, Charge Victims Service Fee
Bengaluru police uncovered a fake cybercrime reporting portal scamming victims seeking help. A complainant was tricked into paying a “service fee” while trying to report fraud. The FIR was filed under Bharatiya Nyaya Sanhita sections 318(2) and 318(4). The fraudulent website was promoted through Google ads to mislead users.
Registrations Open for FutureCrime Summit 2025: India’s Largest Conference on Technology-Driven Crime
4. Scammer Poses as Senior Citizen to Commit Financial Fraud in Delhi
A cyber fraud scheme targeting senior citizens hacks WhatsApp accounts and impersonates victims to extort money. A Delhi resident’s account was compromised, leading to a Gurgaon victim losing Rs 15,000. The scam involves tricking users into sharing verification codes. Authorities urge caution and advise against sharing OTPs or verification codes.
5. Pune Cyber Fraud: Retired Airline Staffer, 75, Duped of Rs 1 Crore in ‘Digital Arrest’ Scam
A 75-year-old retired airline staffer in Pune lost Rs 1 crore to cyber fraudsters posing as Delhi Crime Branch officials. Trapped in a fake “digital arrest” scam, she was coerced into transferring money through RTGS. When asked to take a loan, she realized the fraud and reported it to police.
INTERNATIONAL
6. International Cyber Operation Disrupts Cracked and Nulled Marketplaces
The U.S. Justice Department, in collaboration with international agencies, dismantled the cybercrime marketplaces Cracked and Nulled. These platforms sold stolen credentials, hacking tools, and identity data, impacting millions. Authorities seized domain servers and charged Nulled administrator Lucas Sohn, who faces up to 15 years in prison for identity fraud.
7. China, Thailand Vow Joint Action Against Myanmar Cyber Scam Centers and Human Trafficking
China and Thailand pledged to jointly combat cyber scam gangs and human trafficking in Myanmar. Authorities identified 36 Chinese scam operations exploiting over 100,000 workers. A Thai-Chinese coordination center will launch in February, with another in Mae Sot. Both nations plan further cooperation, including engaging Myanmar in anti-scam efforts.
8. UK Small Businesses Underestimate Growing Cyber Attack Risks
UK SMEs underestimate cyber threats, leaving them vulnerable to attacks, an ABI report warns. With 50% of businesses facing breaches, weak security measures pose financial and reputational risks. The report urges greater cyber insurance adoption and investment to enhance resilience amid rising global cyber threats and new regulatory measures like DORA.
9. UN Supports Cambodia’s Efforts to Combat Cybercrime
The UN supports Cambodia’s fight against rising cybercrime, offering training to law enforcement and judges on tackling fraud, identity theft, and crypto scams. UNODC promotes prevention, public awareness, and international cooperation. Authorities face challenges due to complex scam networks, with Cambodians losing nearly $40 million to online fraud in 2024.
10. Global Law Enforcement Shuts Down Two Major Cybercrime Forums
A Europol-backed operation led by Germany dismantled the world’s two largest cybercrime forums, Cracked and Nulled. Authorities arrested two suspects, seized 17 servers, and confiscated €300,000 in cash and cryptocurrency. The platforms, with over 10 million users, facilitated cybercrime-as-a-service, offering stolen data, hacking tools, and AI-driven phishing techniques.