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. Gujarat Cyber Cell Busts Human Trafficking Racket
Gujarat cybercrime police uncovered a human trafficking network that lured 40 youths to Myanmar. Victims were coerced into working at cyber fraud centers run by Chinese gangs, part of a global scam syndicate. The bust highlights the growing nexus between trafficking and online financial crimes targeting Indian citizens.
2. WhatsApp Scammer Impersonates Kerala Police Chief
A scammer posing as Kerala’s Director General of Police attempted to dupe junior officers via WhatsApp, demanding ₹40,000. The fraud was quickly detected, and the culprit was caught. Authorities warned citizens and officials about rising impersonation scams where criminals exploit trust in senior officials to extort money digitally.
3. Chandigarh Police Nab Key Accused in ₹1.6 Crore Fraud
Chandigarh Police arrested the main accused in multiple cyber fraud cases totaling ₹1.6 crore. The accused allegedly operated fake online schemes, siphoning funds from unsuspecting victims. The arrest is a major breakthrough in ongoing efforts to dismantle organized cybercrime networks defrauding people across states using digital payment platforms.
Final Call: Be DPDP Act Ready with FCRF’s Certified Data Protection Officer Program
4. UP Man Loses ₹2 Lakh in QR Code Scam
In Uttar Pradesh, a man attempting to sell his sofa online for ₹14,000 fell victim to a QR code scam. Fraudsters tricked him into scanning fake codes, siphoning ₹2 lakh. Police have issued fresh warnings on rising QR scams exploiting digital marketplaces and careless financial transactions.
5. Surat Police Arrest Three in Global Cyber Trafficking Case
Surat Police arrested three individuals linked to an international cyber trafficking racket. The accused allegedly facilitated recruitment and trafficking of Indian youths for cybercrime jobs abroad. Victims were forced into global scam operations, especially in Southeast Asia, exposing how cybercrime syndicates exploit human trafficking for illegal profit.
INTERNATIONAL
6. African Law Enforcement Agencies Dismantle Major Cybercrime and Fraud Syndicates
Authorities across Africa have broken up large-scale cybercrime and fraud networks targeting individuals and businesses worldwide. The coordinated crackdown led to multiple arrests, seizure of digital evidence, and disruption of financial channels. Officials said the operations demonstrate the continent’s growing commitment to fighting cyber-enabled fraud and protecting global digital economies.
7. TransUnion Hit in Salesforce-Linked Cyberattack Wave, Data of 4.4M Americans Compromised
Credit reporting agency TransUnion confirmed a data breach tied to the recent wave of Salesforce-linked cyberattacks. Personal details of 4.4 million Americans, including names, birth dates, and Social Security numbers, were exposed. Experts warn the incident underscores systemic weaknesses in CRM platforms and the growing risks of enterprise data exploitation.
8. WhatsApp Fixes Zero-Click Exploit Targeting iOS and macOS Devices
WhatsApp rolled out an urgent security patch after researchers uncovered a zero-click exploit affecting iOS and macOS devices. The flaw allowed attackers to compromise phones without user interaction, posing risks of surveillance and data theft. Users are advised to update immediately as part of Meta’s push to strengthen platform security.
Final Call: Be DPDP Act Ready with FCRF’s Certified Data Protection Officer Program
9. FBI and Dutch Police Take Down Fake ID Marketplace Selling Counterfeit Identity Documents for $9
The FBI and Dutch authorities dismantled an online marketplace selling fake identity documents for as little as $9. The platform allegedly facilitated fraud, identity theft, and money laundering globally. Investigators seized servers, froze accounts, and warned users that purchased counterfeit IDs may face legal consequences as probes expand internationally.
10. SK Telecom Fined $97M After Student-Led Security Lapses Enable Major Breach
South Korea’s SK Telecom faces a record $97 million fine after security lapses linked to student experiments allowed hackers to infiltrate systems. Attackers exploited weak configurations and inadequate oversight, causing widespread disruption. Regulators criticized the company for negligence, highlighting urgent calls for improved cybersecurity governance in telecom and critical infrastructure.