Cyber Fraud Gang Posing as Collector on WhatsApp Busted; 9 Arrested Including Woman from Mumbai

Khargone: Khargone police have cracked a major cyber fraud racket that was operating on WhatsApp by impersonating the district collector. The gang allegedly duped people using the collector’s display photo. A total of nine people have been arrested in connection with the case, including a woman from Mumbai and two minors.

Gang Apprehended with Assistance from Rewa Police
Khargone SP Ravindra Verma stated that with the help of Rewa police, the accused were arrested. The arrested include Gloria Fernandes (Adarsh Nagar, formerly Mumbai), Shivansh Singh Yadav, Shivendra Verma, Rohit Yadav, Vineet Chauhan, Pankaj Patel, and Deepak Patel (all residents of Rewa district). Preliminary investigation reveals that Pankaj Patel and Deepak Patel were the main operators of the gang. Police have also recovered ₹1 lakh allegedly defrauded by the gang.

How the Gang Operated
The gang reportedly rented or obtained bank accounts and SIM cards from young people for commission. Two minors had already been arrested earlier for assisting in this scheme. Defrauded funds were initially transferred to the account of Mumbai resident Gloria Fernandes. Upon investigation, Gloria admitted she had provided her bank account and SIM card to an online acquaintance residing in Delhi.

The money was then circulated through multiple bank accounts in a manner similar to a hawala network and ultimately withdrawn from ATMs in Rewa. Using CCTV footage, technical analysis, and witness statements, police were able to track down the other accused.

Investigation Teams and Arrests
According to Khargone Kotwali Station House Officer B.L. Mandloi, the operation began after a complaint that an unknown individual using WhatsApp number +84339410118 impersonated District Collector Bhavya Mittal and demanded ₹1 lakh. The officer at the district headquarters, trusting the display photo, transferred the amount to an unknown account. Following the complaint, three police teams were deployed, which led to the successful bust of the gang.

SP Verma stated that the accused were motivated by a desire for a luxurious lifestyle and quick money. Investigations are ongoing to trace other members involved in the racket.