Hyderabad, Aug.25 (NSS): On Saturday, personnel from the Cyber Security Bureau Headquarters in Hyderabad arrested two individuals identified as Mohammed Shoeb Tauqeer and Mahmood Bin Ahmed Bawazir, for their involvement in a ₹175 crore scam. A case was registered under Cr. No. 28/2024 u/s 66D of the IT Act, and sections 318(4), 319(2), and 338 of the BNS Act at the Cyber Crime Police Station, Headquarters, Hyderabad, based on a Suo motto complaint.
The Cyber Security Bureau data analysis team detected numerous complaints reported on the NCRP portal against six bank accounts in SBI, Shamsheergunj. On careful verification, it was revealed that large sums of money were transacted through these accounts within March and April 2024. The account holders were suspected of being involved in large-scale cyber fraud. Approximately 600 complaints are linked to these accounts.
The main fraudster operating from Dubai and his five associates were actively involved in luring poor people into opening bank accounts and supplying them for use in cyber crimes and hawala operations on a commission basis. Shoeb played a key role in opening bank accounts and preparing all necessary documents. After opening the accounts, the signatures of the account holders were obtained on the cheques, which were then kept in the custody of one of the associates. Some of the money was sent to Dubai through crypto currency. The associates withdrew the money following the directions of the main fraudster and distributed it to various individuals through his agents.
Following the main fraudster’s directions, Shoeb and other associates convinced some poor individuals to open six current accounts in SBI’s Shamsheergunj branch in February 2024, luring them with commissions. In March and April, significant transactions occurred in these six accounts, totalling approximately ₹175 crore.
The accused identified as Mohammed Shoeb Tauqeer residing at 135/3 RT, Vijayanagar Colony, Masabtank and Mohmood Bin Ahmed Bawazir of 23-2-199/D2, Mogulpura, Hyderabad.
The police cautioned the public not to open a bank account for someone else or engage in suspicious transactions. If you have already opened a mule account, report it to 1930 or cybercrime.gov.in. Be cautious of unsolicited offers to open bank accounts. Verify the identity and credentials of anyone asking you to open an account and monitor your account activity regularly.
The operation was organized by Dy SPs Hari Krishna and K.V.M. Prasad under the supervision of SP Devender Singh. Inspectors D. Srinu, Mahender, and constables Venkat Goud, Syed Taher, Krishna Swamy and Shanker participated in the operation.
