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Visionary Vigilance: Cybersecurity Weekly Digest – Episode 18


Welcome to
Episode 18 of Visionary Vigilance, where we bring you the 27 latest cybersecurity developments, major frauds, and enforcement actions from across the globe. 🌍🔐

This week, we cover sophisticated cyber frauds targeting students and senior citizens, growing threats from international scam syndicates, and innovative efforts in cybersecurity monitoring. Stay informed, stay secure! 🚨💻

🔴 National Cybersecurity Updates & Crime Crackdowns



1. Cyber Fraudster Arrested for Duping IIT Student of ₹4.3 Lakh 🎓💰


A fourth-year student of IIT Delhi was duped out of ₹4.3 lakh after falling victim to a digital arrest scam. The fraudster, identified as Madan Lal (29) from Rajasthan, was arrested in Chennai last month. 🚔


📌 How the Scam Worked:

✔️ The victim received a call from fake police officers, falsely accusing him of involvement in an illegal case.

✔️ Under pressure, he was coerced into transferring ₹4.3 lakh to prove his innocence.

✔️ The fraudster converted the money into cryptocurrency (USDT) and sold it to a Chinese national.


🔗 Read more


2. Maharashtra Cyber Police Warns Senior Citizens of Rising Scams 👴🚨


The Maharashtra Cyber Police have issued an alert warning senior citizens about rising online frauds targeting them.


📌 Common Scams Targeting Seniors:

✔️ Digital Arrest Scam – Scammers impersonate police officials and demand money to prevent a fake arrest.

✔️ Investment Frauds – Fraudsters promise high returns on bogus schemes.

✔️ Sextortion – Cybercriminals trick victims into sharing personal photos, then demand ransom.


Officials urge seniors to avoid unknown calls, verify investment offers, and never share private information online. 🛑


🔗 Read more


3. Foreign Cyber Crooks Evading Indian Law Enforcement 🌏🔎


Tracking international cybercriminals has become a major challenge for Indian police, as many frauds originate from Southeast Asian cyber syndicates operating from Cambodia, Myanmar, and Laos.


📌 Key Findings:

✔️ 45% of reported cybercrimes in India were linked to Southeast Asian countries.

✔️ Indian cyber fraud victims lost over ₹12 lakh crore in 2024.

✔️ Criminals use hawala networks and cryptocurrency to transfer stolen funds abroad.


🔗 Read more


4. Cyber Crime Police Warn Against Medical Emergency Scam 🚑📞


The Cyberabad Cyber Crime Police have issued a public alert about fake hospital emergency scams that prey on family emotions.


📌 How the Scam Works:

✔️ Fraudsters impersonate hospital staff and claim that a family member is in critical condition.

✔️ They pressure victims to transfer money urgently for immediate treatment.

✔️ Once the funds are received, the scammers disappear.


💡 Tip: Always verify medical emergencies directly with hospitals before making any payments.


🔗 Read more


5. Kerala-Based Cybersecurity Firm Protecting Global Companies 🌍🛡️


Value Mentor, a Kerala-based homegrown cybersecurity company, is making waves globally by protecting firms from cyber threats.


📌 Company Achievements:

✔️ Clients in 25 countries, including the US, UK, Dubai, and Saudi Arabia.

✔️ Specializes in penetration testing, risk management, and compliance consulting.

✔️ Plans to expand AI-driven cybersecurity solutions by 2026.


🔗 Read more


6. ₹52 Lakh Cyber Fraud Case Cracked in Chandigarh; Five Arrested 🚔💸


A Chandigarh resident lost ₹52 lakh after being tricked into believing that he was implicated in a money laundering case.


📌 Scam Breakdown:

✔️ Victim received a call about a SIM card linked to fraudulent activities.

✔️ Fraudsters, impersonating Mumbai Police, coerced him into transferring funds.

✔️ Five suspects were arrested in Lucknow, revealing an interstate fraud network.


🔗 Read more


7. 78-Year-Old Bhajan Teacher Duped of ₹2.85 Crore in Senior Citizen Scam 🎵💸


A 78-year-old bhajan teacher from Malabar Hill, Mumbai was tricked into investing ₹2.85 crore in a fake senior citizen scheme.


📌 How the Scam Worked:

✔️ Fraudsters posed as financial advisors, promising to double his investment.

✔️ The victim invested his entire savings, only to realize it was a scam.

✔️ An organized cyber gang is suspected to be behind the scheme.


🔗 Read more


8. Noida Police Arrest Cyber Fraudster in ₹78 Lakh Scam 💰🚨


The Noida Cybercrime Police arrested Achal Verma for defrauding a woman of ₹78 lakh through an online investment scam. The victim was lured via WhatsApp into completing tasks for high returns, eventually transferring huge sums into fraudulent accounts.


📌 Key Developments:

✔️ The suspect was arrested from Hoshiarpur, Noida after a month-long investigation.

✔️ Fraudulent accounts and transactions were frozen to prevent further damage.

✔️ Case registered under Section 420 IPC and Section 66D of the IT Act.


🔗 Read more


9. Two Arrested for Selling Mule Bank Accounts in ₹1.44 Crore Online Trading Scam 🏦🔍


The Bhopal Cyber Crime Police nabbed two individuals for providing fraudulent bank accounts to cybercriminals engaged in investment fraud. Victims were tricked into fake trading schemes and lost crores.


📌 How the Scam Worked:

✔️ The accused sold pre-activated mule accounts to criminals.

✔️ These accounts were used to move illicit funds, hiding the real beneficiaries.

✔️ A case from July 2024 led police to the suspects.


🔗 Read more


10. 76-Year-Old Escapes Cyber Fraud, Saves ₹1.20 Crore 🛑💰


A retired government employee from Kakinada, Andhra Pradesh, narrowly escaped losing ₹1.2 crore in a fake digital arrest scam. The victim was coerced into believing he faced legal trouble and almost transferred the amount.


📌 How He Avoided the Scam:

✔️ He recalled police awareness campaigns on digital fraud.

✔️ Immediately contacted the local police, stopping the transaction.

✔️ Authorities are tracing the cybercriminals behind the operation.


🔗 Read more


11. Delhi HC Seeks Centre’s Response on Cybercrime PIL Over ‘Digital Arrests’ ⚖️📜


The Delhi High Court has issued notices to the Centre, Delhi Police, and RBI over concerns regarding fake digital arrest scams. The petition highlights how criminals forge court orders and FIRs to extort money from citizens.


📌 Current Developments:

✔️ Court directs the Centre to respond within four weeks.

✔️ Petitioners emphasize the need for better cyber fraud reporting mechanisms.


🔗 Read more


12. Palghar Man Linked to 182 Cyber Fraud Cases Arrested 👮‍♂️💻


A 51-year-old suspect from Palghar, Maharashtra, was found involved in 182 cyber fraud cases across India. The accused operated shell companies and facilitated fraud through fake bank accounts.


📌 Key Investigation Findings:

✔️ Fraudulent transactions linked to stock market scams.

✔️ Used fake documentation to open accounts for illegal activities.

✔️ Arrested after months of surveillance by cyber police.


🔗 Read more


13. Maharashtra CM Highlights New Cybercrime-Fighting Platform 🚀🔐


Maharashtra CM Devendra Fadnavis announced a new dynamic cyber platform to combat cyber fraud, saving hundreds of crores in financial losses.


📌 Platform Features:

✔️ Connects banks, NBFCs, and law enforcement agencies for real-time cyber fraud tracking.

✔️ Other states are interested in adopting the same system.

✔️ Recognized by the central government for its effectiveness.


🔗 Read more


14. Retired Govt Employee Loses ₹36 Lakh in Cyber Scam in AP 🚨💸


A retired school teacher in Andhra Pradesh fell victim to a fake police scam, losing ₹36 lakh. The fraudsters posed as telecom officers, falsely claiming his name was involved in a money laundering case.


📌 How the Scam Unfolded:

✔️ Fake police coerced the victim into transferring funds.

✔️ Threatened with legal action if he failed to pay.

✔️ Family members realized the fraud and alerted police.


🔗
Read more


15. Police Arrest 12 Members of Cyber Gang Running Racket from Cambodia 🌍🚔


In a major breakthrough, the Gamdevi police arrested 12 cybercriminals operating an international fraud racket that siphoned off over ₹30 crore. The gang had deep ties to Cambodia, where they collaborated with Chinese nationals, converting fraudulently obtained money into cryptocurrency and transferring it abroad. 💰💻


The accused, identified as Rajendra Bhagirath Singh, Pravin Dattu Londhe, Sandeep Vishnupant Kakade, among others, were arrested in a series of raids across Maharashtra, Goa, and Rajasthan over the past month. Darshan Mhatre, the mastermind behind the cryptocurrency transactions, was nabbed in Goa last week. 📍


Investigations revealed that the gang used 110 bank accounts to launder money stolen through various online scams, including fake e-commerce websites and investment frauds. Police are now working with Interpol and other international agencies to track the Cambodian operatives. 🚨


📖 Read more


16. West Bengal Youth Held for Cyber Fraud in Odisha 🏦🔍


A 22-year-old cyber fraudster from Malda, West Bengal, was arrested in Sahibganj, Jharkhand, for running an elaborate online investment scam. The accused, Aftab Ali, lured victims with promises of high returns through Telegram channels under a fake company, “Apple Vacation.” 📲💸


Koraput police initiated an investigation after a railway employee lost ₹6.9 lakh in the scam. Following extensive digital tracking, the accused was located and arrested. Cash, mobile phones, and bank documents were seized, highlighting how fraudsters exploit digital platforms for financial crimes. ⚠️


📖 Read more


17. District Information Officer Calls for Cyber Awareness on Safe Internet Day 🔐📢


On the occasion of Safe Internet Day, District Information Officer Sikandar emphasized the growing threat of phishing, data theft, and banking scams. He urged citizens to adopt cybersecurity measures such as two-factor authentication, avoiding suspicious links, and reporting cybercrimes promptly. 📲🛡️


His key advice:\n✔️ Enable two-factor authentication on all social media & banking accounts.\n✔️ Avoid clicking on unknown links or emails.\n✔️ Use authorized apps for online transactions.\n✔️ Report fraud immediately to cybercrime.gov.in. 🚨


📖 Read more


18. ‘Nagar Suraksha Cyber Samiti’ Formed to Combat Cyber Criminals 🚔🛡️


As part of a “Safe Click” initiative, police in Madhya Pradesh launched the “Nagar Suraksha Cyber Samiti”, a citizens’ group aimed at spreading cybercrime awareness. The committee will serve as a bridge between law enforcement and the public, offering educational seminars and training sessions. 🏫📢


DCP Riyaz Iqbal highlighted that greed, fear, and ignorance are major factors leading to cyber fraud. Regular training programs and awareness drives will be conducted to equip citizens with cybersecurity best practices. 🚦


📖 Read more


19. RBI Announces New Domains to Curb Cyber Fraud 🏦💳


In a bid to strengthen digital financial security, the Reserve Bank of India (RBI) announced the launch of exclusive banking domains - “bank.in” for Indian banks and “fin.in” for non-bank financial entities. 🌐🔒


The initiative aims to:\n✔️ Reduce phishing attacks & fraudulent websites.\n✔️ Increase trust in digital banking.\n✔️ Improve security in financial transactions.\n\nRegistrations for “bank.in” start in April 2025, followed by “fin.in” in later phases. IDRBT will act as the exclusive registrar for these domains. 🏛️


📖 Read more


20. Punjab & Haryana HC Seeks Report on Cyber Crime Complaint Mechanisms ⚖️📜


The Punjab & Haryana High Court has directed the Punjab Government to submit a detailed report on the effectiveness of the state’s cybercrime complaint mechanisms. This comes after a retired government officer filed a plea against Telegram scammers running fraudulent investment groups. 📩💸


The petitioner claimed that despite filing multiple complaints, no FIR was registered, and the authorities failed to recover his lost money. The court has demanded greater accountability in cyber fraud investigations. ⚠️


📖 Read more


21. Infopercept to Host Webinar on SEBI’s Cyber Security and Cyber Resilience Framework 📊💻


Global cybersecurity firm Infopercept is set to host an industry-focused webinar titled “Understanding SEBI’s CSCRF Guidelines: Strategies for Compliance and Resilience.” The event will educate financial organizations on SEBI’s cyber resilience framework and provide best practices for compliance. 🏦🔐


The session will feature expert insights on:\n✔️ How to protect financial institutions from cyber threats.\n✔️ Compliance with regulatory frameworks.\n✔️ Building secure IT infrastructure. 🔍


📖 Read more

🌍 International Cybersecurity Developments


1. Israel’s Cyber Directorate Tackles 4,491 Phishing Attacks 🛡️📧


The Israeli National Cyber Directorate has taken down 4,491 phishing infrastructures used to target citizens with fake emails and malicious links.


📌 Key Actions Taken:

✔️ Identified and dismantled phishing servers.

✔️ Blocked malicious links from reaching users.

✔️ Strengthened cybersecurity laws to curb cyber frauds.


🔗 Read more


2. UK Introduces ‘Richter Scale’ for Cyber Attacks 🌍🔢


The UK’s Cyber Monitoring Centre (CMC) has introduced a new scale to measure cyber-attacks, similar to the Richter scale for earthquakes.


📌 How It Works:

✔️ Ranks cyber incidents based on severity.

✔️ Helps businesses assess risks and response times.

✔️ Aims to improve cyber resilience strategies.


🔗 Read more


3. International Cyber Crooks Evading Law Enforcement 🌐🚔


Cybercrime agencies across India are struggling to track and arrest international fraudsters, especially those operating from Cambodia, Myanmar, and Laos.


📌 Key Challenges:

✔️ Cybercriminals use cryptocurrency and hawala networks to launder money.

✔️ Over 12 lakh cases of cyber fraud were reported last year.

✔️ Authorities are tightening telecom and banking regulations to curb financial losses.


🔗 Read more


4. Six Malaysians Among 54 Arrested in Cyber Slavery Cases 🇲🇾🔍


The Tamil Nadu CB-CID arrested 54 people, including six Malaysians, for their involvement in cyber slavery operations. Victims were trafficked to Cambodia, Laos, and Myanmar, where they were forced to conduct cyber fraud.


📌 What Authorities Discovered:

✔️ 1,465 Indian victims identified, some still trapped in foreign scam compounds.

✔️ Fake recruitment agencies lured job seekers into digital fraud operations.

✔️ Several bank accounts linked to scam networks were frozen.


🔗 Read more


5. UK Armed Forces Fast-Tracking Cyber Warriors to Defend Digital Front Lines 🇬🇧🔐


To address growing cyber threats, the UK Ministry of Defence (MoD) is fast-tracking cybersecurity specialists. The usual 10-week military training has been condensed into one month, followed by three months of cyber training. 🛡️💻


New recruits will earn a £40,939 ($50,974) salary and can join active cyber defense operations by the end of 2025. 💷


📖 Read more


6. British Military Drops Basic Training to Fast-Track Recruitment of ‘Cyber Warriors’ 🏴💻


In a bold move, the UK’s National Cyber Force has eliminated traditional fitness and weapons training for cyber recruits, accelerating their entry into digital warfare roles. The goal is to fill 50 specialist positions by 2026. 🔥🖥️


📖 Read more


🔐 Closing Thoughts


Episode 18 highlights rising cyber frauds targeting students, elderly citizens, and businesses. Police crackdowns, global cybersecurity advancements, and AI-driven cyber defense remain crucial in tackling these threats.


Stay tuned for Episode 19, where we continue uncovering the latest cyber threats and security updates. Until then, stay alert and cyber-secured with Visionary Bose! 🌍🔐

By :
Shivam Dharpure

Founder & Director

Visionary Bose Pvt. Ltd.

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