In a significant crackdown, the Visakhapatnam city police, in collaboration with the Ahmedabad Cyber Crime Branch and central agencies, dismantled an illegal payment aggregator operation under the name "Peace Pay." This unauthorized platform, run by Chinese nationals with Indian operatives, facilitated scams such as stock market schemes, task-based scams, FedEx fraud, and online betting.
Scam Uncovered:
Acting on credible information shared by cybercrime officials and central intelligence, a team led by Dr. Shankhabrata Bagchi, IPS, and Deputy Commissioner of Police Smt. Dr. Ajitha I.P.S., raided multiple locations. The operation targeted a fraudulent call center in Visakhapatnam, where computers, mobile phones, and fraudulent bank accounts were discovered. The suspects used these tools to scam innocent victims through Chinese-backed betting platforms.
Modus Operandi:
The illegal network was connected to Chinese operators who provided SIM cards, bank accounts, and instructions through Telegram groups. Fraudsters used these accounts to run untraceable transactions on platforms like Peace Pay, Gogubet, and Wags of Ganga 7. The accused used the TRX application to handle transaction details, converting victims' money into points for online games.
Key Arrests and Seizures:
The prime accused, Sairam and Surya Mohan, operated the fraudulent gateway with direct ties to Chinese nationals. Several young women were recruited to manage call centers promoting online betting. A large number of bank accounts, SIM cards, laptops, and transaction devices were seized during the raid.
Seized Property:
- Laptops: 9
- Desktop and CPU Units: 8
- TRX Hardware: 5
- Mobile Phones with SIM Cards: 65
- Bank Accounts & Cheque Books: 699
- SIM Cards: 135
This major bust highlights the increasing threat of international cyber fraud. The joint efforts of law enforcement agencies have dealt a significant blow to Chinese-operated scams, bringing to light the vast network of financial fraud operating across India.
This operation stands as a reminder of the need for constant vigilance and coordination in tackling cybercrime.
