Cybercrime Crackdown: Major Fraud Syndicates Targeting Citizens and Global Targets

A series of high-profile cybercrime cases across India have revealed alarming fraud schemes involving sophisticated tactics and massive financial losses.
Jun 11 / Nandhini

Cyber Fraud Insurance Push: The Finance Ministry has urged public sector insurers to launch cyber insurance products to protect consumers from digital threats like phishing and fraud.


Ram Lalla Prasad Scam: Ayodhya Police uncovered a ₹3.85 crore scam defrauding over 6.3 lakh devotees through fake prasad sales. The mastermind was arrested, and ₹2.15 crore was recovered.


Gujarat Cyber Syndicate: A massive ₹1,455 crore laundering operation was exposed, with the scam network using fake loan services to collect documents and funnel money through global crypto channels. Three arrests were made.


Cybersecurity Boost in UP: The UP government has allocated ₹10 crore to enhance cybersecurity for cooperative banks, including tech upgrades and a state-wide awareness campaign on fraud prevention.


Senior Citizen Scam in Mumbai: A 73-year-old woman lost ₹2.89 crore to fraudsters posing as TRAI officials and law enforcement. ₹1.29 crore was later recovered after the victim reported the fraud promptly.


APK-Based Fraud in Hyderabad: A government employee was defrauded of ₹3.92 lakh after installing a malicious APK file, highlighting the rising risk of APK-based scams.


CBI Operation Chakra-V: The CBI seized ₹2.8 crore in cryptocurrency from an international fraud syndicate using voice phishing and crypto laundering tactics. One arrest was made.


These incidents emphasize the growing complexity of cyber frauds and the need for stronger digital defenses, awareness, and quick reporting to protect individuals and institutions.






Cybersecurity Weekly Newsletter

Date: Jun 05, 2025 - Jun 11, 2025




1️⃣Finance Ministry Advocates for Cyber Fraud Insurance

On 5th June 2025, the Ministry of Finance directed public sector insurance companies in India to create cyber insurance products to protect consumers from growing digital threats like phishing, identity theft, UPI frauds, and unauthorized transactions. Finance Minister Nirmala Sitharaman highlighted that insurance frauds surged to ₹1.77 billion in FY24. The Ministry encouraged insurers to develop affordable solutions, improve social media outreach, resolve grievances quickly, and innovate products against evolving cyber threats. This initiative aims to close the country's low insurance penetration of 1% of GDP, enhancing consumer trust in India's digital financial infrastructure




2️⃣  Cybercrime Alert: ₹3.85 Crore Ram Lalla Prasad Scam

On 6th June 2025, Ayodhya Police uncovered a major online scam that defrauded 6.3 lakh devotees through a fraudulent website, khadiorganic.com, claiming to offer 'Ram Lalla Prasad' during the Ram Temple consecration in January 2024. The scam, orchestrated by Ashish Singh (based in the U.S.), involved charging a facilitation fee of ₹51 domestically and $11 internationally, totaling ₹10.49 crore, with ₹3.85 crore linked directly to the prasad fraud. The Ayodhya Cyber Crime Unit, alerted by the Shri Ram Janmbhoomi Teerth Kshetra Trust, led to Singh's arrest and the recovery of electronic devices. ₹2.15 crore has been refunded to 3.72 lakh victims, and efforts continue to recover the remaining ₹1.70 crore. Devotees are advised to verify online platforms and report suspicious activity to the National Cyber Helpline (1930).


3️⃣Massive Cybercrime Ring Busted in Gujarat—₹1,455 Crore Laundered

On 7th June 2025, Gujarat Police dismantled a large international cybercrime syndicate in Surat, responsible for laundering ₹1,455 crore through 89 bank accounts in just six months. The operation, masterminded by Kirat Jadwani, Meet Khokhar, and Mayur Italia, targeted individuals seeking personal loans. They fraudulently opened bank accounts using applicants' documents, then leased or sold these accounts to cybercriminals in Cuba, Thailand, and Malaysia for various digital crimes, including scams, online betting, and crypto laundering.
The syndicate earned around ₹10 crore from the operation by charging ₹7–17 lakh per account, later switching to a commission-based model. The police froze the accounts after over 2,500 complaints were filed, arresting the three accused and recovering crucial digital evidence. This case underscores the importance of secure digital identity practices and heightened public vigilance to combat increasingly sophisticated cyber threats.



4️⃣UP Government Strengthens Cybersecurity for Cooperative Banks

On 8th June 2025, the Uttar Pradesh government announced a major cybersecurity upgrade for the state’s cooperative banking system, including Uttar Pradesh Cooperative Bank Limited and 50 district cooperative banks. The initiative, led by TCS and Wipro, aims to enhance data protection, server management, and prevent cyber-attacks. NABARD will provide technical support, training, and financial assistance.
Additionally, a statewide cyber awareness campaign will educate customers on fraud prevention and secure banking practices, reaching people through bank branches, gram panchayats, and digital platforms. The government has allocated ₹10 crore for these upgrades in the 2025–26 financial year, aiming to build trust, increase deposits, and enhance credit distribution.


5️⃣ Senior Citizen Duped of ₹2.89 Crore in Sophisticated Cyber Scam

On 9th June 2025, a 73-year-old woman from Vile Parle, Mumbai, was scammed out of ₹2.89 crore by cybercriminals impersonating TRAI officials, police personnel, and even a judge. Over three days, the fraudsters used WhatsApp and video calls to manipulate the victim, claiming that irregularities in her bank account and connections to a fraud investigation would result in “digital arrest” unless she complied. Fearing legal consequences, the woman transferred the money.
After realizing the scam, she contacted the 1930 Cyber Helpline, leading to the recovery of ₹1.29 crore by the cybercrime cell. This case underscores the increasing sophistication of cyber fraud and the critical need for digital literacy, as well as the importance of prompt reporting to minimize damage.

6
Hyderabad Government Employee Falls Victim to APK-Based Cyber Fraud
On 10th June 2025, a 59-year-old government employee in Hyderabad was scammed out of ₹3.92 lakh after unknowingly installing a malicious APK file. The fraudster, pretending to be a relationship manager from a private bank, tricked the victim into installing the APK to fix an alleged address error. Once activated, the app drained money from the victim’s account.
Cybercrime officials warned that banks never request KYC updates or send APK files. They urged individuals to verify any suspicious requests directly with their bank. With APK-based fraud on the rise, citizens are advised to avoid installing apps from untrusted sources and report any fraudulent activity to cybercrime.gov.in or call 1930.

7. CBI Busts International Cyber Fraud Racket Under Operation Chakra-V
On 11th June 2025, the CBI uncovered an international cyber fraud syndicate under “Operation Chakra-V,” arresting one person and conducting raids at three locations. Authorities seized ₹2.8 crore in cryptocurrency and ₹22 lakh in unaccounted cash.
The gang targeted foreign nationals—mainly in the U.S. and Canada—using voice phishing and impersonation tactics to extract funds, which were then laundered through crypto channels. The CBI highlighted its enhanced digital forensic tools and reaffirmed its commitment to combating evolving cyber threats.

Stay Safe. Stay Informed. Stay Ahead — with CYBE.

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