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. Tiruchy Reports Rs 42 Crore Cybercrime Loss in Four Years as New Scams Emerge
Tiruchy saw a surge in cybercrime, losing Rs 42.71 crore over four years, with scams like digital arrest, stock trading frauds, and fake jobs rising sharply. Despite efforts, recovery remains low due to scamsters using innocent victims’ accounts. Police urge prompt reporting to the 1930 helpline for quicker action.
2. Sakinaka Man Arrested for Rs 5 Crore Cyber Fraud Linked to Stock Investments
Mumbai Cyber Police arrested one for involvement in a Rs 5.39 crore stock investment scam through Golden Bridge Investment Group. Linked to 51 fraud cases, his account moved illicit funds across scam layers. A retired businessman was duped after being lured via a fake businesswoman on WhatsApp.
3. Madhya Pradesh Man Held by Cyber Police in Rs 2.44 Crore Stock Market Fraud
Cyber Crime police arrested, a 50-year-old from Madhya Pradesh, for managing mule accounts in a Rs 2.44 crore stock market scam. Linked to 40 fraud cases nationwide, Raiz routed fraudulent funds after luring victims via Facebook and WhatsApp. He’s now in five-day police custody for further investigation.
4. Seven-Member Gang Busted in Rs 2.11 Crore Cyber Fraud Case
CID Crime’s Cyber Cell arrested seven people in Banaskantha for a Rs 2.11 crore gaming scam across 21 states. The gang lured victims via Instagram ads for cheap BGMI UC coins, then defrauded them through QR payments. Police seized phones, cheque books, and are coordinating nationwide to trace more culprits.
5. Cyber Police Nab Trio, Including BTech Student, in Rs 15 Lakh Trading Scam
West Region Cyber Police arrested three men, including BTech student, for defrauding a businessman of Rs 15 lakh in a stock trading scam. The accused opened 25 bank accounts using others’ documents, lured victims through fake trading apps, and collected funds under the guise of online investments.
INTERNATIONAL
6. FBI flags Hong Kong as leading hub for fraudulent wire transfers
The FBI identified Hong Kong as the top destination for fraudulent wire transfers in 2024, followed by Vietnam, the Philippines, India, and China. These countries were key hubs for cybercriminals moving illicit funds, highlighting the growing challenge of international financial fraud and the need for stronger global enforcement efforts.
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7. Nigerian government warns of rising cyber-slavery threat in West Africa
The Ministry of Foreign Affairs warned of rising cyber-slavery in West Africa, where young Nigerians are trafficked for forced cybercrime. After rescuing 231 victims in Ghana, officials urged caution against fake job offers, especially in crypto. The government pledged stronger action with regional and international partners to combat this crime.
8. FBI report: Texas ranks second in internet crime complaints and financial losses
The FBI’s 2024 Internet Crime Report shows losses exceeding $16 billion, a 33% rise from 2023. Texas ranked second in complaints and reported $1.35 billion in losses. Seniors faced major financial hits, with investment fraud topping crimes by losses. The FBI urges victims to report incidents via IC3.
9. MTN cyberattack exposes customer data in latest security breach
MTN Group reported a cybersecurity breach exposing some customer data but confirmed its core networks, billing systems, and financial platforms remain secure. Authorities have been notified, and impacted customers are being informed. MTN urged users to strengthen online security and remain cautious of suspicious messages as investigations continue.
10. Storm-1977 targets education cloud platforms, deploys 200+ crypto mining containers
Microsoft revealed that threat actor Storm-1977 targeted education sector cloud tenants with password spraying attacks using AzureChecker.exe. After compromising accounts, attackers created over 200 containers for illicit cryptocurrency mining. Microsoft advises organizations to secure containers, monitor Kubernetes activity, and deploy only trusted, vulnerability-free container images.