New Delhi: Delhi Police have arrested two alleged cyber fraud operators from Jharkhand’s Jamtara district, bringing a five-year search to an end in a case involving the alleged theft of Rs 27.10 lakh through a fraudulent banking website.
The accused, identified as Md Mehruddin Ansari (30) and Md Arsad Ansari (29), surrendered before a Patiala House court on October 30 and were subsequently taken into custody. Both had been evading arrest since the investigation began in 2021.
The case originated in July 2021 when Bishwajeet Paul allegedly lost money after searching online for Canara Bank’s customer care contact to resolve a cheque-related issue. He contacted a number displayed in the search results and was directed to a website designed to imitate the bank’s official platform.
According to police, the victim entered his banking information on the fraudulent portal, following which an application was downloaded onto his mobile phone. Subsequently, Rs 27.10 lakh was transferred from his account to eight different bank accounts.
Investigators found that the network allegedly operated through fake banking websites and misleading customer care advertisements on Google. Fraudsters reportedly used these advertisements to attract customers, direct their calls to associates and obtain confidential banking information through deceptive links.
Police said the two arrested men allegedly designed the fake Canara Bank website used in the incident. An FIR was registered at the Special Cell police station on July 8, 2021.
Eight other accused linked to the operation had previously been arrested for allegedly managing beneficiary accounts and transferring the stolen funds. While a chargesheet was filed against two, the remaining six are currently out on regular bail.
Non-bailable warrants had earlier been issued against Mehruddin and Arsad, police said.
