Odisha’s Largest Cyber Scam Crackdown Unravels International Crime Network
In a major crackdown on digital crime, Rourkela Police have busted a sophisticated inter-state and transnational cyber fraud network that exploited fake trading apps to dupe hundreds of victims. With nine people arrested and links traced all the way to Dubai, this case has brought to light the growing menace of cybercrime with international footprints operating out of small Indian towns.
The breakthrough came amid rising cases of financial scams conducted via mobile apps, especially those offering fake investment and trading opportunities. Acting on a tip-off, a special police team uncovered a well-oiled syndicate using fake offices in Rourkela to facilitate daily transactions exceeding ₹50 lakh, often routed through hawala operators and coordinated by a mastermind operating from the United Arab Emirates (UAE).
The Sting Operation: How the Gang Was Busted
The operation began with credible intelligence suggesting suspicious activity in a residential apartment in Civil Township, Rourkela. During the initial raid, two suspects were detained. Their interrogation led the police to another location in Basanti Colony, where five more individuals were apprehended.
From these locations, the police seized 31 mobile phones, 5 laptops, 78 ATM cards, and multiple fake SIM cards — all essential tools in running their fraudulent operations. As the investigation widened, two more accused from Raipur, Chhattisgarh, were taken into custody.
The Modus Operandi: Fake App, Real Losses
The gang operated using a fraudulent trading app called “TradeNow”, posing as legitimate investors and financial advisors. Victims were lured through fake customer care calls, promises of high returns, and deceptive UPI payment links.
They used mule accounts — bank accounts operated in the names of local individuals — to receive and launder money. These accounts handled over ₹50 lakh in transactions daily, with the proceeds being funnelled through hawala channels to international locations, primarily in the UAE.
According to investigators, the ringleader Kishan Agarwal, based in Dubai, coordinated the scam across multiple South and West Asian countries, making it a clear case of organized, cross-border cybercrime.
Official Response and Immediate Action
Senior police officials confirmed that this gang had built two fake office setups in Rourkela to appear legitimate. Their scam network was divided into specialized teams: communication handlers, data miners, mule account managers, and fund transfer agents.
As of now, ₹1.41 crore has been frozen in various linked accounts. Authorities are also coordinating with national and international cybercrime cells to investigate further financial trails.
Odisha’s Growing Exposure to Transnational Cybercrime
This is not the first time Odisha has found itself at the center of an international cyber fraud investigation. Some notable recent incidents include:
· 2023 Bhubaneswar Forex Scam: A ₹20 crore scam involving fake forex trading platforms linked to operators in Singapore and Malaysia.
· 2022 Cuttack Job Scam Ring: A cyber ring offering fake overseas jobs with backend operations in Bangladesh and UAE, duping over 500 job-seekers.
· 2021 Odisha-Kenya Crypto Fraud: A racket unearthed in Sambalpur where victims were made to invest in fake cryptocurrency platforms, with funds siphoned to Kenyan crypto wallets.
These cases highlight the urgent need for inter-agency coordination and digital literacy at the grassroots to prevent such crimes.
Cyber Vigilance is the New Necessity
The Rourkela bust is a wake-up call, not just for law enforcement but for the public at large. With cybercriminals becoming increasingly sophisticated and global in their operations, personal caution and institutional checks must evolve simultaneously.
Safety Measures to Stay Protected:
1. Avoid downloading financial apps from unofficial sources.
2. Never share OTPs or banking credentials over calls or emails.
3. Verify the legitimacy of investment schemes with SEBI or RBI.
4. Enable multi-factor authentication on all sensitive accounts.
5. Report suspicious transactions immediately to cybercrime.gov.in.
With digital payments and online services becoming the norm, awareness and cybersecurity must be treated as first-line defenses. Odisha Police’s swift action in this case serves as both a deterrent and a blueprint for handling future cyber threats.
(With inputs from agencies)
