Siliguri,12th March 2025: In a significant breakthrough, Darjeeling Police have dismantled an extensive international cybercrime network, culminating in the arrest of Md Saidur, a key operative in Siliguri’s Phansidewa area. This operation unveiled a web of financial deceit from India to international territories.
The Investigation’s Genesis
The probe started when six residents from Siliguri’s Chater Haat reported unauthorized activities in their bank accounts. These complaints led investigators to uncover 314 related cases with the National Crime Bureau, highlighting the cybercriminals’ reach.
Unmasking the Modus Operandi
Md Saidur, who managed a cyber café, was identified as a key figure in the syndicate. His operations involved renting out bank accounts for money laundering. Investigations revealed Saidur had provided hundreds of local bank accounts, including from Chater Haat in Siliguri.
The syndicate’s operations extended beyond India. They had connections with cybercrime groups in Gujarat and Mumbai, linked to networks in Dubai. The racket used hundreds of rented bank accounts, many operated from Australia, New Zealand, and Sri Lanka.
The Financial Web
The syndicate’s financial implications are profound. Saidur reportedly earned over Rs 60,000 for each rented bank account, amassing nearly 1,000 accounts, though authorities suspect it could exceed 3,000. The racket facilitated transactions worth Rs 80 crore through 230 frozen accounts. Nine accounts belonging to Saidur’s relatives held Rs 35 crore, with transactions traced to multiple locations.
Victims’ Plight
The syndicate’s fraudulent activities have left many victims in financial distress. A woman from Kolkata was blackmailed into paying Rs 13 lakh. Cases in Tamil Nadu and Karnataka reported losses of Rs 42 lakh. These incidents underscore the syndicate’s extensive reach and impact on unsuspecting individuals.
Law Enforcement Response
Due to the operation’s complexity, Darjeeling Superintendent of Police, Praween Prakash, announced the formation of a five-member Special Investigation Team (SIT) led by an Additional Superintendent of Police (ASP) and a Sub-Divisional Police Officer (SDPO) to investigate the case.
Conclusion
The dismantling of this cybercrime syndicate underscores law enforcement’s efforts to combat digital fraud. As cyber threats evolve, such operations highlight the importance of vigilance, international collaboration, and robust cybersecurity measures to protect individuals and financial institutions.
