Mumbai Crime Branch Busts Goa-Based Cyber Fraud Racket; 12 Arrested, ₹500 Crore Transactions Under Scanner

The Mumbai Crime Branch's Unit-2 has successfully dismantled a high-profile cyber fraud syndicate operating from Goa, arresting 12 individuals. The investigation, initiated at Pydhonie Police Station, revealed that the villa near Calangute Beach served as a hub for training and operations. The alleged mastermind behind the operation is suspected to be based in Sri Lanka.

The culprits allegedly engaged in various cyber fraud schemes, including digital arrest scams, WhatsApp DP-related frauds, and APK file-based frauds, generating over ₹500 crore in transactions. The funds were reportedly routed to Dubai, with the arrested individuals receiving a 3% commission on each transaction and a monthly salary ranging from ₹25,000 to ₹30,000.

The accused, aged between 21 and 23, hailing from Gujarat's Ahmedabad and Rajkot, were reportedly recruited through the garment business. Police are now probing the involvement of similar call centres in Goa and questioning whether Sri Lanka is emerging as a new hub for cyber fraud operations. Records from the accused's notebooks, transported to Goa via bus, aided the investigation, leading to the raid on the villa.

The investigation has also uncovered over 150 mule bank accounts, with authorities freezing accounts containing approximately ₹50 crore to ₹100 crore in suspected fraud proceeds. The arrested individuals will remain in police custody until August 11, with further investigations underway to trace the foreign handlers and establish the complete extent of the cyber fraud network.