The Top Ten cyber crime news summaries on The420 are meticulously curated by Future Crime Researchers from the Future Crime Research Foundation (FCRF) and powered by Algoritha Security Pvt. Ltd. These summaries feature the most critical cyber crime developments from around the world. Keep reading—and stay safe.
1. Senior Citizen Duped of ₹73.72 Lakh by Woman Met on Dating App in Navi Mumbai
A senior citizen in Navi Mumbai was conned out of ₹73.72 lakh by a woman he met on a dating app. Posing as a romantic interest, the fraudster gained his trust and gradually extorted money under false pretenses. Police have registered a case and launched an investigation into the scam.
2. Three Cybercriminals Arrested for Cheating Man of ₹50,000
Police arrested three cybercriminals for defrauding a man of ₹50,000 through an online scam. The accused used phishing tactics to trick the victim into transferring funds. Authorities recovered digital evidence during the raid and are working to identify other victims potentially targeted by the same gang.
3. Retired Police Officer Defrauded of ₹4 Lakh by Cybercriminal
A retired police officer was duped of ₹4 lakh by an online fraudster posing as a government official. The scammer manipulated the victim with false legal threats and convinced him to make payments. A case has been filed, and cybercrime investigators are tracing digital trails to track the accused.
4. Nashik Man Loses ₹32 Lakh in Telegram-Based Gold Investment Scam; FIR Registered
A 29-year-old man from Nashik lost ₹32 lakh in an online scam promoted through Telegram. The victim was lured with promises of high returns on gold investments. After repeated transfers, he realized he’d been duped. Police registered an FIR and are probing the Telegram group and its administrators.
5. Retired Judge Duped of ₹1 Crore in ‘Digital Arrest’ Scam Using NSA Threats
A retired judge was defrauded of ₹1 crore in a ‘digital arrest’ scam. Posing as law enforcement, the cybercriminals threatened him with arrest under the National Security Act. Coerced by fear, he transferred the money. A case has been registered and a manhunt launched to track the culprits.
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6. Qantas Confirms Cyberattack Exposed Data of 5.7 Million Customers
Australian airline Qantas confirmed a cyberattack compromised the personal data of 5.7 million customers. The breach, linked to a third-party platform, exposed names, email addresses, and travel records. While no financial data was stolen, Qantas is urging users to update credentials and remains in contact with cybersecurity authorities.
7. IT Worker Arrested for Selling Access in $100M PIX Cyber Heist
Authorities arrested an IT worker for allegedly selling unauthorized access used in the $100 million PIX payment system cyber heist in Brazil. The suspect provided credentials that enabled fraudsters to siphon funds from bank customers. Investigators are probing deeper connections with cybercriminal networks and international money laundering channels.
8. Scattered Spider-Linked Domains Target Firms from Manufacturers to Chipotle
Security analysts uncovered a wave of phishing domains tied to the Scattered Spider group, targeting a wide range of firms — from manufacturers to food chains like Chipotle. The malicious infrastructure is designed for credential theft and system infiltration. Experts warn of potential ransomware deployment linked to these campaigns.
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9. Chinese National Arrested in Italy for Suspected Cyberespionage on U.S. Warrant
Italian police arrested a Chinese national wanted by U.S. authorities on cyberespionage charges. The suspect allegedly infiltrated sensitive American networks to gather intelligence. Acting on a U.S.-issued international warrant, Italian authorities are now handling extradition procedures amid escalating global tensions over state-sponsored cyber activities.
10. China Supports Nigeria’s Cybercrime Crackdown, Warns Citizens Against Online Fraud
China pledged support to Nigeria in its fight against cybercrime, as both countries strengthen cooperation on digital security. The Chinese embassy also issued a warning to its nationals in Nigeria, urging them to avoid internet fraud. The move signals diplomatic alignment against transnational cybercriminal operations targeting developing economies.