Visakhapatnam Police Commissioner Sankhabrata Bagchi Talks Cybercrime Surge
Visakhapatnam has become a central hub for cybercrime syndicates, with gangs targeting various regions and transferring illicit funds through illegal payment gateways to China. The city has seen a rise in criminal operations, which have raised national concern. Police are fast-tracking investigations as the source of several major cybercrimes has been traced back to the city.
Bagchi explained that cybercriminals have evolved from working alone to operating in organized gangs, setting up bases in countries like Cambodia and Myanmar. These groups target Indian nationals, coercing them into committing fraud. In one case, nearly 85 people were trafficked to Cambodia under the pretense of job offers, only to be forced into cybercrimes and subjected to abuse. After undergoing cybercrime training, victims were instructed to make calls and manipulate people into transferring money.
The investigation has revealed that some of these groups have been operating under the guise of cosmetic products, with the funds funneled through illegal payment gateways to China and Taiwan. Police have arrested several suspects, including individuals from China, and are working to uncover the masterminds behind these operations. Bagchi mentioned that these funds are being stored in undisclosed locations, and authorities are determined to trace them.
To prevent such scams, Bagchi advised the public to be wary of suspicious phone calls and messages from unknown sources. He encouraged people to report potential fraud immediately to avoid falling victim to cybercrimes. He also warned that providing personal bank account details to scammers could lead to legal consequences and jail time, and suggested blocking numbers of individuals who try to manipulate or threaten victims.
