Over 17,000 WhatsApp accounts blocked as India ramps up action against cyber fraud

In a major initiative to combat rising cases of online fraud, the Ministry of Home Affairs (MHA) has blocked more than 17,000 WhatsApp accounts linked to cybercriminal activities. These accounts, primarily traced to countries like Cambodia, Myanmar, Laos, and Thailand, were being used to perpetrate financial scams, according to reports.

The action follows a surge in complaints from victims of digital fraud, prompting the MHA’s cybercrime coordination centre to investigate. After reviewing the grievances, the centre identified suspicious accounts and instructed WhatsApp to disable them. This operation also uncovered the existence of fraudulent call centres operating in Cambodia, Myanmar, and Laos, with many linked to Chinese-owned casinos in the region.

Additionally, investigators revealed a disturbing trend of human trafficking. Indian citizens are being lured to countries like Cambodia under the pretence of lucrative job offers, only to be forced into cybercrime operations. Victims are coerced into running fraudulent call centres and other scams, highlighting the exploitation of vulnerable individuals abroad.

One prevalent scam involves fraudsters impersonating law enforcement officials, such as agents from the Central Bureau of Investigation (CBI) or customs officers. These criminals intimidate victims with false accusations of illegal activities, demanding large sums of money to avoid fabricated arrests.

The scale of these scams is staggering. Officials from the MHA’s cyber wing estimate that fraudsters are siphoning off around Rs 6 crore daily through such activities. In the first 10 months of 2024 alone, losses amounted to a shocking Rs 2,140 crore, with over 92,000 cases of "digital arrest" scams reported during this period.

To counter this growing menace, Prime Minister Narendra Modi has urged citizens to remain vigilant and report suspicious incidents to the national cybercrime helpline. This crackdown marks a critical step in addressing the complex and far-reaching issue of digital fraud.

This large-scale operation signals a robust approach by Indian authorities to address cybercrime, which has evolved into a complex transnational issue. By targeting both the enablers of fraud and the human trafficking networks supporting these schemes, the government aims to reduce the prevalence of such crimes. However, experts warn that continuous vigilance and international cooperation will be necessary to dismantle the global infrastructure underpinning these scams.

India's efforts in combating digital fraud highlight the urgent need for a multi-pronged strategy, involving technological safeguards, law enforcement action, and public awareness campaigns.