20 hrs ago
Mumbai Cyber Police Bust Alleged OTP Farming Network
Mumbai cyber police say they stopped a group that helped fraudsters make fake WhatsApp accounts.
The group allegedly used SIM cards registered in other people’s names.
It also allegedly used many simple phones to receive WhatsApp verification codes, called OTPs.
Police say the accounts were given to fraudsters operating investment scams.
Some of the suspected overseas users were allegedly in Cambodia.
One victim was reportedly tricked into sending Rs 22.30 lakh after being promised high investment returns.
Three people have been arrested in the case.
Police seized hundreds of SIM cards and phones while investigating the wider network.
They advised people to check investment companies carefully and never share banking details or OTPs.
Three people were arrested over an alleged network supplying fake WhatsApp accounts to investment fraudsters.
Police said the network used fake SIM cards and keypad phones to generate WhatsApp verification codes.
Investigators linked the accounts to overseas operators, including suspects allegedly based in Cambodia.
The case followed an alleged investment scam in which a victim transferred Rs 22.30 lakh.
Police seized 669 SIM cards, 100 mobile handsets, batteries, chargers and other equipment.
- Who
- Mumbai Crime Branch’s West Region Cyber Police arrested Pramod Kumar alias Bipin, Dharmendra Gupta and Rajiv Kumar Gupta.
- What
- Police allege the accused procured fake SIM cards, generated WhatsApp OTPs and supplied accounts to overseas investment fraudsters.
- Where
- The case was registered at the West Region Cyber Police Station in Mumbai; investigators also referred to associates in Delhi and overseas suspects in Cambodia.
- When
- The case was reported on September 17, 2026.
- Why
- Police allege the accounts were used to contact Indian victims through fake investment schemes and facilitate fraud proceeds.
Key facts
- Arrests
- Three people were arrested: Pramod Kumar alias Bipin, Dharmendra Gupta and Rajiv Kumar Gupta.
- Victim’s alleged loss
- Rs 22.30 lakh was allegedly transferred into various bank accounts.
- Payment per OTP
- Police said intermediaries received about 13 USDT for each WhatsApp OTP.
- SIM cards seized
- 669 SIM cards were seized.
- Mobile handsets seized
- Police seized 100 handsets, including 91 Samsung Guru keypad phones and nine smartphones.
- Legal provisions
- The case was registered under specified sections of the Bharatiya Nyaya Sanhita and Sections 66(C) and 66(D) of the Information Technology Act.
- Reporting channels
- Police advised victims to contact the 1930 cybercrime helpline and use the National Cyber Crime Reporting Portal.
Sources
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