Latest news with #VasanthKumar
Time of India
a day ago
- Time of India
Cops make citizens aware of ‘digi arrest' frauds
1 2 Lucknow: Lucknow Police south zone has launched a special cyber safety initiative aimed at tackling emerging online fraud techniques, particularly the so-called 'digital arrest' scams. The drive was integrated into Peace Committee meetings held ahead of upcoming high-footfall events — Chehlum (Aug 14), Independence Day (Aug 15), and Janmashtami (Aug 16) — to ensure both security preparedness and public cyber awareness. Officials highlighted that cybercriminals are increasingly using deceptive tactics — including 'digital arrest', where victims are falsely told that they are under legal detention through fake calls or video chats by imposters posing as police or govt officers. Police clarified during the session that no such legal provision as 'digital arrest' exists under Indian law, and members of the public should treat such communications as fraudulent. "The Peace Committee meeting, attended by local representatives, community elders, women, journalists, students, and committee members, included the distribution of pamphlets outlining ten key points on cyber safety. These covered verifying the identity of callers, avoiding unsolicited financial transactions, recognising phishing attempts, and reporting fraud to the cyber helpline 1930. Sponsored Links Sponsored Links Promoted Links Promoted Links You May Like The world's top 15 most luxurious and comfortable airports Learn More Undo by Taboola by Taboola Through this meeting alone, 700–800 residents of the South Zone were reached directly," said Vasanth Kumar, Additional DCP, South Zone. Police have been directed to carry out ongoing awareness programmes in schools, colleges, community centres, public gathering spots, and rural areas. The campaign will include live demonstrations, case studies of recent scams, and guidance on reporting procedures. Awareness materials relating to safeguard from cyber fraud was also distributed, the officer said. Stay updated with the latest local news from your city on Times of India (TOI). Check upcoming bank holidays , public holidays , and current gold rates and silver prices in your area.
Time of India
3 days ago
- Time of India
How money mules powered cyber cons' ‘operating system'
Lucknow: The cyber cell of Lucknow police has uncovered how local youths unknowingly strengthen a global cyber fraud network by acting as "money mules" for illicit financial transactions. Tempted by quick commissions, these individuals allow their bank accounts to be used for money laundering by cybercriminals involved in online scams and 'sextortion'. Illicit funds are then converted into cryptocurrency, primarily Tether (USDT), and transferred abroad — bypassing all legal scrutiny. Investigations reveal that the operations are coordinated through heavily encrypted Telegram channels, often run by Chinese handlers or their Indian proxies. Police have traced dozens of mule accounts in Lucknow, with several account holders expressing regret for underestimating the legal consequences. Additional DCP (south zone) Vasanth Kumar said the scam came to light after the arrest of Satyam Tiwari and his gang in Lucknow on June 21. "They siphoned off Rs 75-80 lakh in the guise of cryptocurrency trading, funneling the money through mule accounts before converting it to USDT and transferring it overseas," Kumar said. by Taboola by Taboola Sponsored Links Sponsored Links Promoted Links Promoted Links You May Like When Knee Pain Hits, Start Eating These Foods, and Feel Your Pain Go Away (It's Genius) Click Here Undo He added that the probe revealed a wider network of foreign handlers. "The operation was conducted through Telegram channels primarily operated by Chinese nationals or their proxies. They use blockchain network for USDT trades, avoiding legal crypto exchanges. Communication is encrypted, aliases are used, and usernames change frequently to mask identities. Indian mule account holders are then appointed to stash and transfer cash," he said. While investigation was underway, police busted another gang led by Baburao Sambhaji Mali (34) from Sangli, Maharashtra. The group allegedly defrauded a businessman of Rs 29.25 lakh through fake Facebook pages offering high-yield banana saplings. Stay updated with the latest local news from your city on Times of India (TOI). Check upcoming bank holidays , public holidays , and current gold rates and silver prices in your area.
Time of India
24-07-2025
- Time of India
Engg student, two others held for duping woman of 56 lakh
Lucknow: The Cyber Crime Police arrested three men, including an engineering student, from Gomtinagar on Thursday for posing as Central Bureau of Investigation (CBI) officers and duping a woman of Rs 56 lakh by trapping her in a digital "house arrest". The accused framed the woman in fabricated cases of money laundering and terrorism, psychologically manipulating her into transferring money under the threat of arrest. According to Additional DCP (Crime/Cyber) Vasanth Kumar, the accused impersonated officials from CBI, RBI, and Mumbai Police. They used sophisticated scripts, fake identities, and video calls to create a terrifying illusion of an official crackdown. The victim, Rita Bhasin, received a call on July 18 from someone posing as a CBI officer, who claimed that her Aadhaar card and phone number were being used in hawala operations and illegal financial transactions. The caller alleged that an FIR was lodged against her in Andheri East, Mumbai. The call was then transferred to another impersonator posing as a Mumbai Police officer on a WhatsApp video call, . He showed the woman falsified documents, including a fake arrest warrant and property seizure notice, threatening her with immediate arrest. ADCP Vasanth told TOI that the accused used multiple accounts to circulate the funds and later converted the money into cryptocurrency
Time of India
18-06-2025
- Time of India
Cyber fraud racket with Dubai links busted in Lucknow; 15 arrested for scamming over 1,000 people via Telegram, WhatsApp and Reddy Anna app
In a major cybercrime crackdown, Lucknow police have busted a multi-layered fraudulent call centre involved in a wide network of digital scams, allegedly controlled by a kingpin operating from Dubai. Tired of too many ads? go ad free now The racket, run from a residential tower in Vrindavan Yojna, targeted over 1,000 victims across India and is estimated to have defrauded several crores through WhatsApp, Telegram, and betting apps like Reddy Anna, according to TOI report. Acting on a tip-off, the Crime Unit of Lucknow Police conducted a coordinated raid and arrested 15 accused. The operation revealed the call centre was functioning as a front-end terminal for outreach and coordination, while the core planning and money movement were managed remotely through VoIP, virtual numbers, and encrypted messaging platforms. Additional DCP (Crime) Vasanth Kumar, who led the investigation, told TOI that the accused had confessed to their roles in executing cyber fraud and online gambling scams. 'They admitted they destroyed devices after use and frequently changed locations to avoid detection. The Cyber Crime Portal has confirmed 69 complaints linked to the seized phones, and another 157 complaints linked to recovered passbooks and cheque books,' he said. Kumar explained that victims were first lured via WhatsApp with offers of easy online income — such as paid reviews, video likes, and commission-based tasks. 'Once they showed interest, they were moved to Telegram groups or bots, where automation and end-to-end encryption protected the scammers' identities,' he added. In the next phase of the scam, victims were given small fake wins to build trust. Later, they were encouraged to make larger deposits for higher returns — often via betting apps like Reddy Anna. Tired of too many ads? go ad free now 'Once substantial funds were received, the scammers either blocked user accounts or manipulated balances to show losses. The money was then diverted into mule accounts and crypto wallets, making it nearly untraceable,' Kumar said. The alleged mastermind, identified as Vishal Yadav alias Ganni alias Prince, is suspected to have operated the scam from Sri Lanka, Singapore, and Dubai, constantly shifting bases to evade law enforcement. Officials believe the operation had previously been run from abroad but was relocated to Lucknow just a month ago. Kumar confirmed the use of Layered financial channels, including cryptocurrency and illegal betting platforms, to launder the stolen funds. 'They used VoIP services and virtual numbers to disguise locations and encrypted channels to manage communications,' he said.
Deccan Herald
17-06-2025
- Entertainment
- Deccan Herald
Anupama School hosts plantation drive with actor Doddanna
Anupama International Public School, Jogi Matti Road, observed World Environment Day with a plantation drive in the Jogi Matti forest. Kannada film actor Doddanna inaugurated the programme, titled Our Earth, Our Future – We and the Race to Rebuild, and addressed students on the urgent need to respect and protect the environment. He emphasised that environmental awareness must begin in childhood and criticised unchecked destruction of nature for personal gain. The event saw the participation of dignitaries including RFO Vasanth Kumar, sub-zonal forester Ramdas, and school leadership including President S. Bhaskar, Secretary Rakshan S B, and Principal Sampath Kumar C D.
