Cyber Crime
Top 10 Daily Cybercrime Brief by FCRF [18.02.2025]: 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. 14 Arrested in Rs 70 Crore Nationwide Cyber Fraud Crackdown
The Gurugram cyber police arrested 14 people for defrauding victims of over Rs 70 crore using fake Instagram IDs for investment scams. Authorities recovered 10 mobile phones and three SIM cards. Over 18,000 complaints and 774 cases were registered nationwide, with 33 cases in Haryana. Fraud data was verified via I4C.
2. Maharashtra Cyber Summons Ranveer Allahbadia for Questioning
Maharashtra Cyber Crime Department has summoned content creator Ranveer Allahbadia, aka “BeerBiceps,” for questioning on February 24 over the India’s Got Latent controversy. Authorities have also summoned host Samay Raina and 50 others. Mumbai Police is conducting a parallel inquiry, rejecting Allahbadia’s request to record his statement at home.
3. Delhi Cybercriminals Transferred Rs 4,900 Crore in Fraud Money Overseas: ED
The Enforcement Directorate revealed that Delhi-based cybercriminals siphoned Rs 4,978 crore abroad using SEZ facilities. They ran scams via fake websites and mobile apps, laundered money through 200 shell companies, and manipulated imports of overpriced goods. Authorities seized assets, including flats and agricultural land, in their names.
4. Mumbai: Borivali Resident Loses Rs 1.53 Crore to Fake Investment Advisors in Cyber Fraud
A 44-year-old Borivali resident lost Rs 1.53 crore to scammers posing as investment advisors. Added to a fake J.P. Morgan India Stock Research Centre WhatsApp group, he was lured into fraudulent stock trading via morgans-s.vip. The cyber police have registered a case against the unidentified culprits for further investigation.
5. Cyber Criminals Cheat Victims of Rs 6.90 Lakh in Two Separate Incidents
Cyber fraudsters in Meerut duped victims of Rs 6.90 lakh through multiple scams, luring them with false promises of high returns in share trading. SP Crime confirmed the incidents, highlighting the growing threat of cybercrime in the region as authorities intensify investigations to track the culprits.
INTERNATIONAL
6. HashFlare Fraud: Two Estonians Plead Guilty to $577M Crypto Scam
Two Estonian nationals, Sergei Potapenko and Ivan Turõgin, pleaded guilty to a $577M cryptocurrency fraud through HashFlare.io. They misled investors about mining capabilities, fabricating profits while amassing luxury assets. Extradited to the US, they face up to 20 years in prison. The FBI urges victims to come forward.
7. Tracking Criminals on the Dark Web
The dark web hosts illegal activities, from financial fraud to human trafficking. Law enforcement agencies, including the FBI and Secret Service, work undercover to track criminals. Recent operations have dismantled cybercrime marketplaces and billion-dollar fraud schemes. Investigators rely on digital traces and mistakes to identify and apprehend perpetrators worldwide.
8. Information Regulator Warns of Possible Replacement by Cyber Commissioner
South Africa’s proposed Cyber Commissioner Bill aims to establish an independent Chapter 9 institution for cybersecurity oversight, potentially replacing the Information Regulator. Critics argue it overlaps with existing laws and agencies, raising concerns about feasibility, costs, and regulatory conflicts. Experts suggest expanding the Information Regulator’s mandate instead of creating a new entity.
9. Dutch Police Dismantle Zservers, Seize 127 Bulletproof Hosting Servers
Dutch police dismantled bulletproof hosting provider Zservers, seizing 127 servers in Amsterdam linked to cybercrime groups like Conti and LockBit. Zservers allegedly provided infrastructure for ransomware attacks. A 2022 investigation found links to LockBit affiliates. Authorities continue analyzing seized data as the crackdown on cybercriminal networks intensifies.
10. Ukraine Executes Major Cyber Attack on Russian Gas Infrastructure
Ukraine’s intelligence agency launched a cyberattack on Gazprom’s subsidiary Gazstroyprom and 22 related firms, crippling 120 servers and 10,000 computers. Hackers accessed 2,000 terabytes of data, causing financial losses in the millions. Ukraine, strengthening its cyber defenses with $500M in funding, plans a dedicated military cybersecurity branch.