In a significant blow against online criminal networks, the Cyberabad police’s cybercrime unit recently apprehended 20 individuals from across multiple states. This intensive operation, conducted between October 22 and 28, uncovered ten distinct cybercrime cases and resulted in the confiscation of 24 mobile phones and 19 SIM cards.
Among those arrested, 14 were involved in various trading frauds. However, a major success of the crackdown was the exposure of a massive ₹3 crore fraud targeting a prominent travel company’s online ticketing and digital wallet platform. Five key individuals – Chennupati Sivannarayana, Kadali Narayana Swamy, Anugula Rajkumar, Jadda Brahmaiah, and Pericherla Varma – were taken into custody in connection with this scheme.
Police investigations revealed that the travel company, which has a significant presence across several southern states, first noticed suspicious activity between May and July of this year. An internal audit was triggered after discrepancies emerged between the number of tickets sold and the actual revenue generated. This audit quickly pointed to a critical flaw in the company’s digital wallet refund system, which had been cunningly exploited by some registered users and even internal agents.
The fraudsters employed a deceptive tactic: they would top up their digital wallets, book tickets, and then promptly cancel them. A critical software glitch in the system meant that upon cancellation, not only was the refund processed, but the original amount also remained in their wallet, effectively doubling their balance. By repeating this simple yet effective maneuver countless times, the accused amassed substantial illegitimate wallet balances. They then used these inflated funds to book tickets for unsuspecting customers, pocketing the cash fares directly into their personal bank accounts. This elaborate scheme inflicted a staggering loss of ₹3,00,91,683 on the travel company.
In response to this incident, Cyberabad police are urging all businesses and individuals to remain vigilant. They advise conducting frequent, thorough audits of all digital payment and refund mechanisms, implementing stringent internal access controls, and promptly reporting any suspicious online activity or transactions. Citizens can report such incidents by calling the National Cybercrime Helpline at 1930 or visiting www.cybercrime.gov.in.