“Punjab Police Busts International Cyber Fraud Racket, Arrests Seven Foreign Nationals in Noida”

In a major breakthrough, the Mohali Cyber Crime Cell of the Punjab Police has dismantled an international cyber fraud syndicate operating out of Noida. The operation, conducted earlier this week, led to the arrest of seven foreign nationals—comprising individuals from Nigeria and Ghana—accused of running a fake call centre and executing high-level online scams.

The suspects, all men aged between 25 and 35, were apprehended from a rented apartment and produced before a Mohali court, which remanded them to two days of police custody for further investigation.

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“Fraud Worth ₹15 Crore Uncovered in Multi-State Operation”

The cyber crime team, led by Deputy Superintendent of Police (DSP) Rupinderdeep Kaur Sohi, seized a massive haul of evidence during the raid. The items confiscated included 79 smartphones, four laptops (including two Apple MacBooks), 99 SIM cards (both Indian and international), and documentation linked to 31 fake bank accounts.

Senior Superintendent of Police (SSP) Harmandeep Singh Hans confirmed that financial transactions worth approximately ₹15 crore were traced through these accounts. “The preliminary investigation reveals that the suspects are highly educated and tech-savvy. They have potentially duped over 350 victims across various states and countries,” said SSP Hans.

“Sophisticated Social Media Scams and Fake Gift Promises”

According to the police, the syndicate specialized in sophisticated social media scams. The accused would create fake profiles on platforms such as Facebook and Instagram, posing as foreign nationals, often claiming to be wealthy individuals or professionals.

They would befriend unsuspecting victims—both Indian and foreign—and gradually build trust. Once a relationship was established, the scammers would claim to have sent valuable gifts or parcels from abroad. Victims were then informed that the packages were being held by customs and asked to deposit clearance fees or taxes into designated bank accounts.

“The gang would consistently use believable narratives and forged documents to convince victims,” DSP Sohi said. “Bank accounts were mostly opened in private banks, and we are currently verifying the identity of the account holders.”

“Fake Job Offers Targeting Nigerians Also Uncovered”

In a disturbing twist, it was revealed that the scammers were not limiting their activities to Indian citizens alone. They also targeted Nigerians by offering them fraudulent job opportunities in India.

“These individuals posed as Indian employers and charged hefty recruitment fees from desperate job seekers back home. It’s a multi-layered scam that’s affected victims across continents,” added DSP Sohi.

The residence from which the cyber crime ring was operating was reportedly rented by a Nigerian woman, who is currently absconding. Authorities are conducting a manhunt to locate her, believing she could be a key link in the larger network.

“International Connections Under Probe”

The extent of the fraud and the international reach of the operation has raised red flags among law enforcement agencies. Cyber experts believe that this could be just one of many such hubs operating across Indian cities, utilizing rented properties and frequently changing locations to avoid detection.

Investigators are now collaborating with multiple state police forces, Interpol, and cyber crime units in West Africa to track potential accomplices and dismantle the broader network.

“Public Caution and Legal Action Ahead”

The Punjab Police have urged the public to exercise caution while engaging with strangers on social media, particularly those making promises of gifts or offering overseas job placements. Law enforcement officials reiterated that no legitimate transaction would ever require payment under such pretexts.

“This case should serve as a stark reminder of how vulnerable online spaces can be,” SSP Hans said. “We’re committed to cracking down on cyber crime, and we urge anyone who suspects they’ve been a victim to come forward.”

The Mohali Cyber Cell continues to interrogate the arrested suspects, analyze seized data, and pursue leads to uncover additional victims and collaborators. More arrests are likely in the coming days as the investigation unfolds.