Category: Case Diary

The development and use of SIM (Subscriber Identity Module) cards are closely tied to the evolution of mobile telecommunications technology. Mobile phones began in the 1940s with vehicle-based systems. The first handheld call was made in 1973 by Motorola, and the first commercial phone was launched in 1983. SIM cards were developed alongside the growth of mobile telecommunications. In the 1970s and 1980s, mobile phones were analogue and tied to specific networks, with no way to transfer user information. In 1982, the GSM (Global System for Mobile Communications) project was launched to standardise mobile communication, focusing on security and portability. By 1991, GSM introduced SIM cards as a removable module to store subscriber details like phone numbers and network credentials. This revolutionised communication, making mobile phones compact, affordable, and essential for modern life. Today, SIM cards are central to mobile communications, enabling secure connections to networks worldwide.Since the advent of mobile phones, SIM cards have become an essential part of the telecom industry. In today’s rapidly digitising world, unauthorised SIM cards have emerged as tools for cybercrime, endangering innocent individuals. A recent case involving the Kolkata Police has shed light on this issue and served as a wake-up call for security agencies nationwide.

In April 2024, the Customs Department intercepted a shipment booked with DHL courier for Phnom Penh, Cambodia. They discovered 361 pre-activated Airtel SIM cards concealed in the lids of two filter coffee bottles. Following this, the Intelligence Bureau in Kolkata collected additional information and investigated the matter. It was revealed that the consignment was booked by an individual residing in Kolkata.

Further investigation uncovered similar shipments were made on previous occasions. Of the 361 SIM cards, 243 were issued under the jurisdiction of the Kolkata Police. Additionally, it was established that these 243 Airtel SIM cards were registered under the names of various people across West Bengal, with the issuing agents located in the Topsia, Tiljala, Ultadanga, Kasba, and Ashoknagar areas.

Mode of Operation (Modus Operandi)

A notice under Section 179 of the BNSS has been served to individuals against whom SIM cards were issued. According to their accounts, when they visited the agent to obtain a new SIM card in their name, they were asked to provide their fingerprint using a morpho machine multiple times. When an individual inquired the reason for this, the agent explained that the SIM card could not be processed initially due to network issues.

The agent took multiple SIM cards in the names of unsuspecting individuals and attempted to send these SIM cards to Cambodia with the help of their associates to commit offences.

Investigation Details

Based on the collected documents and recorded statements, fake, fictitious SIM cards were created using electronic methods. These fake SIM cards were later used as genuine ones and sent to foreign countries like Cambodia. There, they were used to carry out fraud, including investment scams and other crimes. This case involves electronic forgery, leading to cheating and victimising innocent people.

Kolkata Police officials from the Anti-Bank Fraud Section of the Detective Department seized electronic devices, mobile phones, and blank SIM card pouches from the arrested accused. The entire operation seems to have been coordinated, involving individuals connected with POS agencies, employees of Airtel distributors, and foreign nationals.

A Myanmar national was arrested in a hotel in Hyderabad, where police seized numerous incriminating documents, cash in various currencies, mobile phones, laptops, foreign SIM cards, and pen drives. The identities of the accused’s associates who were present in Kolkata at the time of the offence were also uncovered through a detailed investigation. Information was found regarding fraudulent investments linked to one of the companies owned by a foreign national. Notably, one of the accused exchanged cryptocurrency with a foreign national, returning the cash equivalent two months later.

The Anti-Bank Fraud Unit of the Detective Department of Kolkata Police has made significant progress in investigating an international SIM card fraud. This operation involved exporting

pre-activated SIM cards in the names of unsuspecting individuals, concealed in coffee containers, to commit criminal offences and electronic forgery.

Source:

Anti-Bank Fraud Section, Detective Department, Kolkata Police.

Digital fraud, now commonly referred to as ‘Digital Arrest,’ has taken on a new form, where scammers deceive citizens under the guise of government officials. A recent case highlights the severity of this issue involving a resident of South Kolkata who was defrauded of Rs 3.4 Crores.

In September, the victim received  a  call  from  an unknown number. The caller claimed to be an official from the Telecom Regulatory Authority of India (TRAI) and accused the  victim  of  uploading inappropriate content on a website called phoneerotica.com. The caller issued threats of punitive measures, leading to panic and confusion. When the victim denied involvement, explaining his limited technical knowledge regarding mobile devices, the caller insisted that his phone number was connected to the alleged offending content. The caller warned that the number might be banned under TRAI regulations, stating that a case had been opened by the Mumbai Police.

Following this, the victim was connected to a landline call from someone identifying himself as Sub-Inspector Vikram Singh of the Mumbai Police, who provided his ID number (5017) and a case document reference.The alleged officer informed the victim about an ongoing registered case, making intimidating remarks that suggested the victim had committed a serious crime. Despite the victim’s claims of innocence, the caller asserted that the case had been forwarded to the Cyber Crime Department and connected him to another individual claiming to be part of that division.

This victim from Kolkata then received a WhatsApp video call from a number that displayed the emblem of the Mumbai Police Department. The caller identified himself as Anand Ranga from the the Cyber Crime Department, but refused to activate his camera. He falsely claimed that the victim was involved in a money laundering case under the Prevention of Money Laundering Act (PMLA). To further the deception, the caller accurately recited the victim’s Aadhar Card number and pressured him to send a photograph of the card for alleged verification related to a purported arrest warrant from the Supreme Court of India. The victim, feeling coerced, complied with this request.

The situation escalated when the caller sent a document resembling a warrant issued by the Supreme Court, which bore the victim’s Aadhar Card number. This alarming act caused significant distress for the individual. The caller then inquired about the victim’s family situation, and upon discovering that the victim’s wife was paralysed, he resorted to threats, stating that he would implicate and arrest the victim’s son unless he cooperated fully. He presented three choices to the victim: travel to Mumbai for surrender, face an immediate arrest by local authorities in Kolkata, or adhere to the caller’s instructions.

Under immense pressure and fear, the victim divulged sensitive information regarding his bank accounts, fixed deposits, and mutual funds when the caller requested his financial details. The caller continued to intimidate the victim by sending a document labelled ‘CBI Consent in Terms of Confidentiality Agreement,’ which bore the CBI seal. This document cautioned the victim against disclosing any details to anyone, including family members, under the threat of immediate arrest and asset confiscation. The caller further claimed that the victim was being monitored and implied that people were following him to ensure compliance, intensifying the victim’s fear and anxiety.

The caller further claimed that under a government scheme, black money could be returned through third-party accounts.  He went on to say that the only way the victim can protect himself is by liquidating his FDs, mutual funds and other investments, and transferring the demanded accounts to the accounts provided by the caller, over time. Even though the victim insisted on his innocence, he was assured that he would recover his funds once cleared of the alleged charges. The caller pressured the victim into liquidating his fixed deposits, mutual funds, and other investments. He instructed the victim to transfer Rs 3,40,00,000 to various accounts provided by him.

As the situation escalated, the caller used multiple phone numbers to instil fear and to pressure the victim. Over time, the caller offered vague updates about an ongoing case against the victim, claiming that progress was being made and that the investigation would ultimately reveal his innocence, leading to his discharge from the Prevention of Money Laundering Act (PMLA) case. The victim, unfamiliar with legal procedures and overwhelmed by fear and trauma, placed trust in the misleading reassurances provided.

However, after mid-October, the caller’s behaviour changed dramatically. He began to ignore the victim’s calls and messages, particularly when he inquired about the progress of the case or the process for reclaiming his money post-discharge. The supposed police officer’s responses grew increasingly vague, and he ultimately blocked the victim from most contact numbers, ceasing all forms of communication. It became apparent to the victim that he had been deceived and extorted by a fraudster during this ordeal. He realised the promises made were false and the transactions were part of a well-orchestrated scam.

This case serves as a cautionary tale about the growing prevalence of digital scams and the deceptive tactics employed by fraudsters to exploit unsuspecting individuals. It highlights the importance of being vigilant against such schemes and verifying the legitimacy of any such calls or claims made by alleged officials.

It is extremely important to be cautious of fraudulent calls where scammers impersonate officials and pressure innocent and gullible people into transferring large sums of money for fake schemes. These scams often exploit fear and urgency, tricking victims into financial loss with false promises of resolving legal or financial matters.

Inputs:

Cyber Crime Station, Lalbazar HQ, KolkataPolice.

Every investigation demands meticulous precision and diligence. Irrespective of the severity of the crime, the Kolkata Police Department operates with dynamic teamwork.
Consider the case of State vs Tara Chand Sonkar, also known as Raja Sonkar. The incident dates back to the afternoon of October 3, 2014, during the Nabami celebration of Durga Puja, when a gruesome incident unfolded near Mullick Ghat Flower Market, turning it into a blood-stained crime scene which resulted in the loss of life.
Lakhi Mukherjee, or Phuli, as she is affectionately known in the Mullick Ghat Flower Market, was resting with her granddaughter, Neha, in their home on Stand Bank Road near Howrah Bridge. A man named as Raja Sonkar, allegedly involved in a romantic liaison with Phuli, entered her home and had a verbal abusive confrontation with her. The neighbourhood knows Phuli for her Bahubali image or strong demeanour. Raja, visibly upset with reasons known only to him, attacked Phuli with a hasua or sickle from the corner of the room. Phuli narrowly avoided a fatal blow from the sickle wielded by Raja Sonkar. However, Neha and Phuli’s cries alerted others. This prompted Raja Sonkar to flee. Meanwhile, Bijoy, an orphan boy, was asleep on a camp cot downstairs, positioned on the verandah’s southern side adjacent to the building. As he was rushing out from the house, Raja Sonkar dealt a fatal blow to Bijoy’s throat with the sickle. He immediately fled towards the Howrah Bridge after the vile attack.
Following the incident, the victims – Bijoy and Phuli – were taken to the Medical College, where Phuli survived after treatment, while Bijoy was declared brought dead by the attending doctors.
The ensuing investigation, referenced as North Port Case No. 92 dated October 3rd, 2014, U/S 302/307 IPC, was spearheaded by the Homicide Squad of the Detective Department, Kolkata Police.
On November 17th, 2014, Raja Sonkar was apprehended from BK Pal Avenue and Rabindra Sarani Crossing. Subsequently, on November 27, 2014, blood-stained clothing linked to the crime was recovered based on his confession.
Further investigation revealed an illicit relationship between Raja Sonkar and Phuli. Raja Sonkar suspected that Phuli also had a relationship with the victim Bijoy.
A charge sheet was filed against Raja Sonkar on February 4, 2014, US 302/307 IPC well within the stipulated period, with Sub Inspector Sandip Pramanick as the Investigating Officer (IO) of the case.
The trial proceeded at the court of the Ld 2nd FTC, Bichar Bhawan, Kolkata, with Raja Sonkar in custody. Over the course of the trial, 22 prosecution witnesses were examined. On December 4, 2023, the court adjudged Raja Sonkar guilty under Sections 302/324 IPC.
On December 5, 2023, Raja Sonkar received rigorous life imprisonment and a fine of Rs 10,000, i/d six months imprisonment U/S 302 IPC, and RI for one year U/S 324 IPC. These sentences are to run concurrently, as pronounced by Shri Anindya Banerjee at the Ld 2nd FTC, Bichar Bhawan, Kolkata. l
Details provided by:
Homicide Squad, Detective Department, Kolkata Police.

Traditional crime may seem like a relic of the past in today’s digital age. The rapid digitisation has revolutionised the landscape of criminal activities, blurring the lines of traditional demographic boundaries. Kolkata Police is at the forefront of adapting to this paradigm shift, showcasing groundbreaking investigations into cybercrime.
A recent case demonstrates this transformation: a sophisticated digital fraud targeted at a US citizen, highlighting Kolkata Police’s adeptness in combating cybercrime and digital malfeasance. The Federal Bureau of Investigation (FBI), through CBI (Interpol – New Delhi), relayed crucial information to Kolkata Police regarding individuals impersonating as Norton employees. These imposters prepared fraudulent electronic documents, presenting them as genuine to deceive unsuspecting victims into making payments under false pretenses of providing legitimate technology support. In this instance, an elderly US citizen was defrauded a staggering $85,786.57 through an online banking transaction.
A case was registered at the Cyber Police Station, Lalbazar Head Quarter. (Ref: Case No. 122/22 dt. 01.11.2022, U/S-66/66C/66D read with Section 43 Information Technology Act 2000, and Sections 120B/420/467/468/471 IPC since amended U/S 306 IPC. The complainant was Raja Saha, Sub-Inspector of Police, Cyber Police Station, Kolkata Police Lalbazar Headquarters. The four accused in the case were Shizan Ali Haider, Md Atif, Subtain Ali Haider and Syed Tarique Kalam.
During the investigation, it was discovered that the IP address under scrutiny was registered to Alliance Broadband, a local service provider in Kolkata. On January 3, 2023, authorities conducted a raid at V. God Cafe, located within the Tiljala Police Station area. Shizan Ali Haider, the individual to whom the IP address was allocated by the broadband service provider, was apprehended after he refused to cooperate with law enforcement and declined to present his identification. Following proper legal procedures, he was arrested after interrogation.
On January 19, 2023, acting on gathered intelligence, another raid was carried out at Anjuman Road in Beniapukur, resulting in the arrest of Md Asif. Further investigation unveiled that the perpetrators were utilising multiple identities, including two GMail accounts. Authorities reached out to Google, which provided crucial information linking a phone number to the GMail accounts, leading to the identification of Subtain Ali Haider. He was arrested from a hotel in Ajmer, Rajasthan, on January 22, 2023.
Similarly, leveraging information provided by Google about the other GMail account, authorities tracked down Syed Tarique Kalam, who was ultimately arrested on February 10, 2023, in Pune.
Given that the victims in this case were from abroad, digital evidence played a crucial role in the investigation. Two of the foreign nationals gave their deposition before the judge, shedding light on the gravity of the situation. Shockingly, one victim revealed that the accused had incited her husband to take his own life, prompting the inclusion of Section 306 IPC alongside the existing charges.
Further inquiries revealed that all the accused were part of an extensive criminal network, operating across West Bengal and other States. The charge sheet in the case was submitted on April 17, 2023.
Inspector Shukla Sinha Roy led this intricate investigation, which demanded extensive coordination across borders and meticulous attention to every detail, whether physical or digital. She deservedly earned the esteemed Cyber Cop of the Year Award, a testament to the exceptional capabilities of the Kolkata Police. l
Details provided by:
Cyber Police Station, Lalbazar Headquarters, Kolkata Police.