17 hrs ago
Fake Microsoft Support Scam Targeting US Seniors Leads to Arrests
Some older people in the United States were told that their computers had been hacked.
The callers pretended to work for Microsoft and frightened the people about their money and personal information.
They instructed victims to put cash into Bitcoin ATMs to buy help that was not real.
Investigators say the money was turned into cryptocurrency and moved through several digital accounts.
The Central Bureau of Investigation in India says the suspected operation involved people in Punjab and Delhi.
Three men were arrested, including Saurabh Rana, who is accused of leading the group.
Rana denies the allegations through arguments made by his lawyer, who sought bail.
A court refused to release him on bail, pointing to the alleged evidence and seriousness of the case.
Investigators are still examining digital devices and tracing the alleged scheme.
Callers impersonating Microsoft staff told US seniors their computers and bank accounts were compromised and directed them to deposit cash at Bitcoin ATMs.
The Central Bureau of Investigation registered an FIR on July 27 under criminal conspiracy provisions and Section 66(D) of India’s IT Act.
The CBI says three men, including alleged mastermind Saurabh Rana, were arrested in August in Punjab and Delhi-linked searches.
Investigators allege scam proceeds were converted to cryptocurrency, moved through wallets and routed into Indian bank accounts; Rana’s Binance account allegedly received 203.30 bitcoins.
A Delhi court denied Rana bail on September 22, citing alleged digital evidence, the seriousness of the case and its cross-border impact.
- Who
- US senior citizens were allegedly targeted; the CBI arrested Saurabh Rana, Jappandeep Singh and Indermohan Singh.
- What
- An alleged tech-support fraud used impersonation and Bitcoin ATM deposits to take victims’ money; a court denied Rana bail.
- Where
- Victims were in the United States; alleged operations and searches were linked to Punjab and Delhi, including Ludhiana and Mohali.
- When
- The alleged fraud began in 2022; the CBI registered an FIR on July 27 this year, arrests occurred in August, and the bail order was dated September 22.
- Why
- The callers allegedly frightened victims with claims that computers and bank accounts were compromised, then directed them to deposit cash for fake computer support.
Investigating agency and court
Rana’s defence and family allegations
Alleged role and evidence
Investigating agency and court
The CBI said crypto transfers, account activity, digital devices and chats linked Rana to the alleged fraud and described him as its mastermind; the court cited alleged evidence in denying bail.
Rana’s defence and family allegations
Rana’s counsel argued that the case concerned alleged offences from 2022, that the FIR came after a four-year gap, and that the prosecution had not shown arrest was necessary.
Treatment during investigation
Investigating agency and court
The CBI pursued the investigation and cited evidence recovered from devices and cryptocurrency accounts.
Rana’s defence and family allegations
In an affidavit, Rana’s brother alleged that an employee identified as Ms S was tortured and harassed during questioning and that the investigating officer made improper claims about the court’s view of bail.
Key facts
- Victims
- Several senior citizens in the United States; the CBI said victims were defrauded of hundreds of crores of rupees.
- Reported method
- Impersonation as technology-company, financial-institution and law-enforcement representatives, followed by Bitcoin ATM cash deposits.
- FIR
- Registered by the CBI on July 27 under criminal conspiracy provisions and Section 66(D) of the IT Act, 2000.
- Arrests
- Saurabh Rana and Jappandeep Singh were arrested in Ludhiana; Indermohan Singh was arrested in Mohali.
- Alleged cryptocurrency proceeds
- Rana’s Binance account allegedly received 203.30 bitcoins, then valued at about $6.53 million, or over Rs 50 crore.
- Searches
- About 30 digital devices, including phones and laptops, were seized from premises in Mohali.
- Bail decision
- Rana’s bail plea was rejected by the ACJM on September 22.
Quotes
ACJM Jyoti Maheshwari
Magistrate who rejected Saurabh Rana’s bail plea
“... it is apparent that the applicant/accused spearheaded the operations of the alleged cyber-fraud syndicate. Recovery of multiple digital devices from the premises connected with the applicant/accused is also indicative of his complicity in the alleged offence.”
indianexpress.com
Sources
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