Kolkata: Investigations into the digital transactions of a suspected cyber fraudster from Barasat who was arrested in mid-Dec led to the unravelling of his involvement in around 300 investment frauds — worth Rs 65 crore — through fake apps.
Tanmoy Pal (34) was arrested on Dec 16 following a complaint filed by Rajib Chakraborty, a Bansdroni resident who lost Rs 4.6 lakh through unauthorized bank transfers. The arrest led to the subsequent apprehension of Shantanu Gayen from Liluah on Dec 19, exposing a wider network of cybercriminals.
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During the probe, police discovered that the accused were operating through multiple bank accounts that had links to over 300 cyber fraud cases nationwide. Their modus operandi involved targeting victims through various digital platforms, including phone calls, WhatsApp and Telegram channels. The fraudsters lured victims with promises of extraordinary returns on small investments through seemingly legitimate investment apps.
The cyber cell's probe revealed that the gang created sophisticated fake investment applications that mimicked legitimate financial platforms. These apps were designed to gain victims' trust initially by showing small returns on investments, eventually leading to larger financial commitments from the victims.
The police have frozen several bank accounts associated with the fraud and are working with cybersecurity experts to trace the money trail. They are also coordinating with law enforcement agencies across different states.
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