Anakapalli, Andhra Pradesh, May 22: In a significant crackdown on cross-border cybercrime, the Anakapalli District Police, under the dynamic leadership of District Superintendent of Police Shri Tuhin Sinha, IPS, successfully busted an international cyber fraud network operating out of Achyutapuram. The high-tech scam, targeting U.S. citizens under the guise of Amazon support services, was exposed following a tip-off from a vigilant Village Revenue Officer (VRO) and meticulous intelligence gathering by the police.
Major Breakthrough Highlights:
33 suspects arrested during coordinated surprise raids at three major locations in Achyutapuram.
High-end computers, networking equipment, ₹3 lakh cash, and other digital tools seized.
Scam hubs equipped with residential setups, training centers, and logistical infrastructures were dismantled.
Several trainees with limited technical knowledge were found recruited and trained for fraudulent roles.
Sophisticated Scam Network Unveiled:
The syndicate operated like a structured enterprise with specific roles:
Dialers: Used VOIP to contact U.S. citizens, posing as Amazon fraud department staff.
Bankers: Masqueraded as officials from U.S. banks and the Federal Trade Commission (FTC).
Closers: Convinced victims to purchase gift cards and share the codes.
Managers: Laundered proceeds through crypto currency, online platforms, and dark web channels.
HR/Admin: Recruited youth from Assam, Nagaland, Meghalaya, and Gujarat, training them with scripted operations.
Each closer was found to target multiple victims per day, resulting in multi-crore losses to foreign nationals monthly.
Key Accused in Custody are Puneet Goswami (Maharashtra), and Avihant Daga (Rajasthan). Further investigation is underway to track top-tier operatives and international funders behind the network.
Legal Proceedings:
An FIR has been filed at Achyutapuram Police Station under stringent sections of the Bharatiya Nyaya Sanhita (BNS), IT Act, and IPC, including BNS 318(4): Electronic fraud, BNS 61(2) r/w 3(5): Gang crime participation, IT Act 66C & 66D: Identity theft & electronic cheating, and IPC 420, 120B, 34: Cheating, conspiracy, and common intention.
SP Commends Police Team:
At a press briefing, SP Tuhin Sinha, IPS praised the efforts of:
Additional SP M. Dev Prasad, DSP Parawada V. Vishnu Swaroop, Achyutapuram SHO N. Ganesh, IT Core SI Suresh Babu and the entire district police team for their meticulous planning and fearless execution of the operation.
This operation underscores the Anakapalli Police’s strong commitment to fighting cybercrime, upholding the law, and safeguarding India’s global digital reputation. The Anakapalli Police appeal to citizens to remain alert and report any suspicious cyber activity. Together, let’s build a safe and secure digital society.
