In a major crackdown on cybercrime, Delhi Police has uncovered an international fraud syndicate linked to over 2,000 complaints and scams worth more than Rs 300 crore, officials confirmed on Sunday.
The investigation exposed a highly organised network operating across multiple states, with strong links to international cyber fraud groups, particularly in Cambodia.
“We have so far identified over 260 bank accounts linked to more than 100 fictitious companies used to channel the proceeds of crime. The total number of complaints linked to the syndicate stands at 2,567,” police said.
The alleged mastermind, Karan Kajaria, was arrested at Kolkata airport on April 3 after a Look Out Circular was issued against him. He was brought to Delhi the next day for further investigation, Deputy Commissioner of Police (Crime Branch) Aditya Gautam said.
The case surfaced after a complaint by a city resident, Sultan, who claimed he was cheated of Rs 31.45 lakh through a fake investment scheme. He was convinced to download a fraudulent trading app and invest money with promises of high returns. When he tried to withdraw funds, the app stopped working and the fraudsters became unreachable.
“An FIR was registered at the cyber police station in northeast and later transferred to the crime branch for a detailed probe,” the officer said.
Police found that the syndicate created fake investment platforms and messaging groups to trap victims. They used mule bank accounts arranged via intermediaries and deployed malicious apps to steal sensitive banking data, including OTPs. The funds were then routed through multiple accounts and shell companies to hide the trail.
“Kajaria, who is believed to be the main coordinator, maintained direct links with foreign-based operators and facilitated the movement of funds through cryptocurrency channels,” the DCP said.
He acted as a link between Indian operatives and international cyber criminals. He also helped arrange mule accounts and shared banking details via encrypted social media platforms.
Investigators used technical surveillance to trace the network to Kolkata. Kajaria, who frequently travelled abroad to build overseas connections, was intercepted upon his return to India.
Police said the syndicate had been active for 4–5 years and operated on a large scale. During the crackdown, authorities recovered 48 mobile phones, 258 SIM cards, multiple ATM cards and cheque books, 4 laptops, and several banking and KYC documents. Funds worth Rs 19 lakh have been frozen.
So far, 11 accused have been arrested, and further investigation is underway to identify more members of the network.
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