Patna Cyber Fraud Network Busted: Four Arrested for Converting Scam Money into Cryptocurrency and Sending It Abroad
Patna: In a major breakthrough against cybercrime, the Cyber Crime Unit (CCU), in coordination with the Patna Cyber Police Station, has dismantled a cyber fraud network that allegedly cheated people across the country, converted the illicit proceeds into cryptocurrency, and transferred the funds overseas. During the operation, police arrested three accused from Kankarbagh, Patna, and one from Hilsa in Nalanda district. Interrogation of the suspects has revealed several crucial details, and investigators believe more members of the network will be identified soon.
According to police officials, the gang had been operating for a considerable period and used advanced digital techniques to target victims. The money obtained through cyber fraud was first transferred to multiple bank accounts. It was then converted into cryptocurrency and routed to foreign digital wallets, making it difficult for law enforcement agencies to trace the flow of funds.
Operation Based on Intelligence Inputs
Police sources said the Cyber Crime Unit had been monitoring the gang's activities for several days. Based on technical surveillance, banking transaction analysis, and digital evidence, investigators identified the suspects. A joint team of the CCU and Patna Cyber Police conducted simultaneous raids in Kankarbagh and Hilsa, leading to the arrest of all four accused.
During the raids, police seized several mobile phones, laptops, computers, ATM cards, bank passbooks, SIM cards, digital devices, and other documents. These items have been sent for forensic examination to uncover the full extent of the network and its financial transactions.
Well-Organized Cyber Fraud Operation
The investigation revealed that the gang used multiple methods to defraud victims. Their tactics allegedly included impersonating bank officials, seeking KYC updates, offering fake investment schemes with high returns, promising online jobs, sending fraudulent links through social media, and using the increasingly common "digital arrest" scam.
Once victims were trapped, money was withdrawn from their bank accounts and transferred through several intermediary accounts before being converted into cryptocurrency and sent abroad. Investigators believe the gang relied on multiple fake bank accounts and digital wallets to conceal the movement of funds.
Cryptocurrency Used to Conceal Illegal Proceeds
According to investigators, cybercriminals are increasingly turning to cryptocurrency because it makes financial transactions harder to trace than traditional banking channels.
Police officials stated that the accused used multiple cryptocurrency exchange platforms to convert the stolen money into digital assets before transferring it to foreign wallets. Preliminary findings suggest that the gang may have links to an international cybercrime network. Authorities are now examining this aspect with the assistance of central investigative agencies.
Bank Accounts and Digital Wallets Under Investigation
Investigators are examining the accused persons' bank accounts, mobile numbers, email IDs, IP addresses, and cryptocurrency wallets. Several bank accounts have already been flagged for suspicious transactions. Police are also trying to determine whether these accounts were used to route money obtained through cyber fraud cases reported in different states.
Authorities are investigating the individuals in whose names these accounts were opened, as there is suspicion that some account holders allowed their bank accounts to be used in exchange for commissions.
Possible Links with Other States
Preliminary findings indicate that the network may not have been limited to Bihar. Police suspect that the accused could be connected to cyber fraud cases reported in several other states. Information is being shared with cyber cells and police departments across the country to identify additional victims and trace the complete network.
If evidence confirms the gang's involvement in cases outside Bihar, the concerned state agencies will also initiate legal proceedings.
Digital Forensic Analysis Underway
The seized electronic devices are expected to provide critical digital evidence. Forensic experts are examining chat records, emails, cryptocurrency transaction histories, banking details, and other electronic data stored in the devices.
Officials believe the forensic analysis will reveal how many victims were targeted and the total amount of money allegedly siphoned off by the gang.
Police Urge Public to Stay Vigilant
Police have advised citizens not to share bank account details, OTPs, UPI PINs, debit or credit card information with unknown individuals. People have also been urged to avoid clicking on suspicious links and to verify online investment or job offers before making any financial transactions.
Anyone who becomes a victim of cyber fraud should immediately report the incident through the National Cyber Helpline (1930) or file a complaint on the National Cyber Crime Reporting Portal. Prompt reporting significantly improves the chances of freezing or recovering the stolen funds.
Continued Crackdown on Cybercriminals
The Bihar Police has intensified its campaign against cybercrime through advanced technology, digital surveillance, and coordinated action with various agencies. Officials described the latest operation as a significant success in the fight against organized cyber fraud.
Police confirmed that the interrogation of the arrested suspects is ongoing, and more arrests are likely as the investigation progresses. Authorities expect further revelations regarding the gang's operations, the total amount involved in the fraud, and its possible international connections once the probe is completed.
