Patna: Police have cracked down on an organised international cybercrime network involved in large-scale fraud through online gaming apps. The operation was carried out in the Shivpuri area under Shastri Nagar police station here, leading to the arrest of five key members who had turned the locality into their hideout.Acting on a tip-off, a team led by secretariat SDPO-II Saket Kumar conducted a raid on a flat in the locality. During the raid, police seized 21 mobile phones, eight sim cards, a laptop, dozens of credit cards and several bank passbooks, which were allegedly used to operate the fraudulent network. Preliminary investigation revealed that the gang cheated more than 250 clients, with the total scam amount running into crores of rupees.The SDPO said the group operated in a highly professional and structured manner, similar to a corporate setup. “Each member was assigned specific roles, including handling calls, providing technical support, managing accounts and overseeing transactions. Clients were given code names to conceal their identities, and all communications and financial dealings were conducted discreetly,” Kumar said.“The gang was also allegedly involved in illegal betting on Indian Premier League (IPL) matches through online gaming platforms, generating massive profits. It also came to light that many young men, who initially came to the city for studies, joined the network, lured by quick money, and were paid regular salaries. The gang has been active for over a year. Most of their clients are from South India and abroad,” he said.Those arrested were identified as Shashank Shekhar, Surdip Raj, Rishi Kumar and Sachin Kumar.The mastermind was identified as Ankit Kumar, who managed to escape and is currently absconding. Police are conducting further raids to trace him, believing that his arrest could reveal deeper links in the racket within India and abroad.
