Cybercrime has become a growing concern, with a worrying trend of stolen money being transferred abroad, mainly to Southeast Asian countries and even to Pakistan.
Morigaon district was emerging as a major centre for cybercrime. However, in a strong crackdown, Morigaon police arrested more than 300 cyber criminals over the last three years and recovered Rs 1.20 crore, which has been returned to victims.
Police sources said that the Lahorighat and Moirabari areas of the district had become key hubs for these activities. Many of the accused were young people who had earlier worked in cities like Bengaluru and Kerala. During their time there, they reportedly learned cyber techniques and later returned home to carry out illegal activities.
Their first step involved creating fake identity documents in the names of others. Using these, they targeted non banking financial institutions and took loans under false identities before disappearing. When Aadhaar centres were outsourced by the government, the criminals took advantage of the situation and managed to obtain Aadhaar cards using fake details.
A centre run by a person named Salam was identified as a major point for these operations. After the activities were exposed, such outsourced centres were shut down.
Sources said the criminals stayed in contact with cyber experts from outside the state and abroad through WhatsApp. A large part of the money collected was reportedly sent to Southeast Asian countries, while a portion went to Pakistan.
People from states such as Rajasthan and Haryana also travelled to Morigaon to receive training in cybercrime. The local network also helped outsiders obtain SIM cards using fake documents. Some of these SIM cards were active near the India Pakistan border.
After police action, more than seventy two thousand SIM cards have been deactivated. However, sources admitted that a few fraudulently obtained SIM cards may still be active, as it is difficult to trace every single one.
Also read: Viksit Workforce for a Viksit Bharat
Do Follow: The Mainstream formerly known as CIO News LinkedIn Account | The Mainstream formerly known as CIO News Facebook | The Mainstream formerly known as CIO News Youtube | The Mainstream formerly known as CIO News Twitter
About us:
The Mainstream is a premier platform delivering the latest updates and informed perspectives across the technology business and cyber landscape. Built on research-driven, thought leadership and original intellectual property, The Mainstream also curates summits & conferences that convene decision makers to explore how technology reshapes industries and leadership. With a growing presence in India and globally across the Middle East, Africa, ASEAN, the USA, the UK and Australia, The Mainstream carries a vision to bring the latest happenings and insights to 8.2 billion people and to place technology at the centre of conversation for leaders navigating the future.
