In a significant breakthrough against international cyber fraud, The Delhi Police have arrested two men, including a Nepali national, for allegedly duping a Delhi-based woman of RS. 1.10 lakh on the pretext of sending her lavish birthday gifts from the UK, police said on Saturday.
Two mobile phones with SIM cards used in the crime have also been recovered from the duo. The police are now working to identify and arrest African nationals who are also allegedly involved in the crime and recover the defrauded money.
“This was a well-oiled network with roles divided across continents and communities. It’s a prime example of how cybercrime syndicates operate today — one part handles communication, another collects money, and yet another ensures the money trail is obfuscated through fake accounts,” said an official involved in the investigation.
The scam began like many others in the digital age, with a friend request on Facebook. The 48-year-old victim, a resident of Burari, received a message from someone claiming to be a UK-based individual. What began as casual online banter soon turned into regular conversations over WhatsApp, where the accused used an international number to build a rapport and win her trust. Over time, the fraudster convinced her that he was sending expensive birthday presents, but told her the package had been seized by Indian customs and could only be released after paying clearance charges.
Trusting her new online “friend,” the woman transferred Rs. 1.10 lakh into a bank account he provided. But the promised gifts never arrived. Realising she had been tricked, the woman filed a complaint on the National Cyber Crime Reporting Portal, which eventually reached the Cyber Police Station in North Delhi.
An FIR under relevant sections of the Bharatiya Nyaya Sanhita (BNS) was registered, and a special team was formed under the leadership of Sub-Inspector Tasveer Mathur.