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. Fraudster impersonates Kollam collector, tries to extort village officer
In Kollam, a cyber fraudster impersonated District Collector and attempted to extort money from the Pallimon village officer via WhatsApp. The officer verified the claim with the collector, who alerted police. Authorities have launched an investigation and warned the public to stay vigilant against similar scams.
2. MBVV Cyber Cell recovers ₹8.81 lakh for Mira Road resident in online fraud case
A Mira Road resident lost ₹29.80 lakh to a cyber scam posing as a stock broking firm via social media ads. MBVV Cyber Cell froze ₹8.81 lakh after tracing the fraud accounts. The recovered amount was returned on court orders. Police urge prompt reporting of cyber frauds via 1930 or NCCRP.
3. Three held in ₹90-lakh cyber scam targeting retired Kerala High Court judge
Kochi Police arrested three men from Thalassery for duping retired Kerala High Court judge Sasidharan Nambiar of ₹90 lakh in a cyber scam. The funds were converted into bitcoins and sent to the main accused. Police recovered ₹43 lakh and are investigating the network behind the high-profile fraud.
4. Mumbai food company duped of ₹14 lakh in fake airline deal
A Mumbai businessman lost ₹14 lakh in a man-in-the-middle (MITM) cyber fraud after receiving fake emails posing as Emirates officials offering a contract. Duped into paying a refundable registration fee, the scam was revealed when Emirates denied the employee’s existence. A formal FIR has been filed; investigation is ongoing.
5. Gurugram Police nab four for supplying bank accounts in sextortion scam
Gurugram cyber police arrested four men from Sikar, Rajasthan, for allegedly providing bank accounts to cybercriminals involved in sextortion. The arrest followed a complaint from a victim blackmailed with fake pornographic videos and defrauded of ₹1.2 lakh. Police are investigating the broader network behind the cybercrime.
INTERNATIONAL
6. U.S. extradites Rydox cybercrime marketplace admins from Kosovo in global crackdown
The U.S. extradited two from Kosovo for allegedly running the Rydox cybercrime marketplace, which sold stolen data and fraud tools to over 18,000 users. Active since 2016, Rydox enabled global cyber fraud. The operation marks a major step in international efforts against cybercrime.
7. Nationwide youth protest erupts against Cybercrime Act under “Take It Back” campaign
As Nigeria’s #30DaysRantChallenge ends, youths plan nationwide “Take It Back” protests on April 7, demanding repeal of the amended Cybercrimes Act. Critics say the law suppresses free speech, citing a journalist’s case. The protests coincide with President Tinubu’s Paris visit, amplifying public frustration over press freedom and governance.
8. Riffat Raja appointed FIA chief, Waqar Syed to lead new cyber crime agency
Pakistan has appointed Riffat Mukhtar Raja as FIA Director General and launched the National Cyber Crime Investigation Agency (NCCIA) led by Waqaruddin Syed. The move signals a shift in cyber governance amid rising online surveillance concerns. Critics warn of threats to digital freedoms and investor confidence amid increasing online crackdowns.
9. Microsoft acknowledges hacker ‘EncryptHub’ for reporting Windows vulnerabilities after 618+ breaches
Microsoft credited EncryptHub, a lone cybercriminal also known as SkorikARI, for reporting two Windows flaws while secretly running malware campaigns. Identified by Outpost24, the Ukrainian national behind 618+ breaches used poor operational security, linking personal and criminal activity. His cybercrime reportedly began after failed bug bounty attempts in 2024.
10. North Korean hackers spread BeaverTail malware through 11 malicious npm packages
North Korean hackers behind the Contagious Interview campaign have published malicious npm packages spreading BeaverTail malware and a new RAT loader. Masquerading as developer tools, these packages aim to hijack systems, steal data, and deploy backdoors like Tropidoor. Over 5,600 downloads occurred before takedown. Developers are urged to stay vigilant.
