Cyber fraud racket linked to Philippines, Cambodia busted in Gurugram; 5 arrested

Gurugram Police have busted a major international cyber fraud network with links to the Philippines and Cambodia, arresting five key operatives accused of running a sophisticated SIM box-based racket used for "digital arrest" scams. The crackdown exposes a transnational syndicate that bypassed India’s telecom systems to route fraudulent calls and extort victims.

The operation came to light following five separate complaints, which led to coordinated raids in Gurugram’s U-Block and Chakarpur areas.

Suspicion was first raised by local landlords who noticed unusual activity in the rented accommodations. Instead of residential use, the premises had been converted into makeshift technical hubs fitted with electronic equipment and wiring.

A Special Investigation Team (SIT), led by senior cops, conducted the raids and uncovered what officials described as a "mini telecom setup".

In the major bust, the police seized 13 SIM boxes used for illegal call routing, 504 active SIM cards, seven Wi-Fi cameras with human detection features, seven routers, inverters, batteries, and multiple networking devices.

DCP (Cyber Crime) Gaurav Rajpurohit confirmed the arrest of five accused identified as Rahul Kumar from Uttar Pradesh, Yash Amrit Singh Dugar and Bhavika Ramesh Bhagchandani from Gujarat, and Litesh and Sagar from Maharashtra.

According to investigators, the group played distinct roles in setting up infrastructure, managing communications, and handling financial transactions.

HOW THEY OPERATED

Preliminary interrogation revealed that Rahul Kumar was in contact with handlers based in the Philippines, who guided him via video calls on setting up SIM boxes and routing calls.

These devices were installed at multiple locations in Gurugram, including DLF Phase-3, enabling the gang to mask international calls as local ones.

Bhavika Bhagchandani, meanwhile, was linked to operatives in Cambodia.

Investigators said she coordinated with associates to convert fraud proceeds into cryptocurrency, primarily USDT, which was then transferred overseas.

Yash Dugar allegedly assisted in facilitating these financial transactions, acting as an intermediary in the conversion of funds.

Police said the syndicate used a well-established smuggling route to bring in illegal equipment: from the Philippines to Nepal, then to Bihar, and finally distributed across various Indian cities.

The accused also admitted to recharging over 2,200 SIM cards used in cyber fraud operations, including “digital arrest” scams where victims are coerced into believing they are under legal scrutiny and forced to transfer money.

LINKS TO 'CYBER SLAVERY'?

Officials further revealed disturbing links to "cyber slavery," with some victims reportedly trafficked to Cambodia and forced to participate in online fraud activities under duress.

The recovered surveillance cameras were allegedly used to monitor surroundings and avoid detection during operations.

The case highlights the growing complexity and international reach of cybercrime networks targeting Indian citizens.

Gurugram Police said further investigations are underway to identify additional links, trace financial flows, and apprehend other members of the syndicate operating both within India and abroad.

Authorities have indicated that more arrests and disclosures are likely as the probe expands, with efforts focused on dismantling the broader network and preventing similar operations in the future.

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