Gurugram Police have dismantled a significant international cyber fraud network connected to the Philippines and Cambodia, apprehending five principal members involved in operating a sophisticated SIM box-based scheme designed for digital arrest scams. This crackdown has exposed a cross-border syndicate that evaded India’s telecommunications systems to reroute fraudulent calls and extort victims.
The investigation was initiated following five individual complaints, leading to coordinated raids in Gurugram’s U-Block and Chakarpur localities. Suspicious activities were initially flagged by local landlords who observed unconventional operations in rented spaces, which had been transformed into makeshift technical centers equipped with electronic devices and wiring.
A Special Investigation Team (SIT) under senior police officers conducted the raids and uncovered a miniature telecom infrastructure setup. During the major crackdown, law enforcement seized 13 illegal SIM boxes for call routing, 504 active SIM cards, seven Wi-Fi cameras with human detection capabilities, seven routers, inverters, batteries, and various networking tools.
DCP (Cyber Crime) Gaurav Rajpurohit confirmed the apprehension of five suspects identified as Rahul Kumar from Uttar Pradesh, Yash Amrit Singh Dugar and Bhavika Ramesh Bhagchandani from Gujarat, and Litesh and Sagar from Maharashtra. According to investigators, each individual played specific roles in establishing infrastructure, managing communications, and handling financial transactions.
Initial questioning revealed that Rahul Kumar communicated with overseas handlers in the Philippines via video calls, who provided guidance on setting up SIM boxes and call routing. These devices were installed at multiple locations in Gurugram, including DLF Phase-3, enabling the group to disguise international calls as local ones. Bhavika Bhagchandani was associated with operators in Cambodia, coordinating with counterparts to convert illicit proceeds into cryptocurrency, primarily USDT, for overseas transfers. Yash Dugar allegedly aided in facilitating these financial transactions by serving as an intermediary.
Law enforcement disclosed that the syndicate utilized an established smuggling route to import illegal equipment, moving from the Philippines through Nepal to Bihar, and then distributing across various Indian cities. The suspects also admitted to recharging over 2,200 SIM cards used in cyber fraud, including digital arrest scams where victims are coerced into transferring money under false legal pretenses.
Authorities uncovered potential ties to cyber slavery, with victims reportedly trafficked to Cambodia and compelled to engage in online fraud under coercion. Surveillance cameras seized during the operation were allegedly employed for monitoring surroundings and avoiding detection during criminal activities.
This case underscores the increasing sophistication and global outreach of cybercrime networks preying on Indian residents. Gurugram Police have indicated ongoing investigations to uncover additional connections, track financial transactions, and apprehend other syndicate members operating domestically and internationally. Further arrests and revelations are anticipated as the inquiry expands, with a focus on dismantling the broader network and preventing similar illicit activities in the future.