Patna: A massive crackdown has been launched across Bihar to arrest cyber crime kingpins following the arrest of notorious cyber thug Harshit. The Economic Offenses Unit (EOU) has begun an extensive investigation to dismantle the entire network associated with him.
According to officials, Harshit had purchased over 1,000 SIM cards using fake identity documents from Jharkhand, Bihar, and West Bengal. Investigations are underway to determine how these SIM cards were activated and who facilitated their purchase. The EOU is now conducting random checks at multiple locations across Bihar to identify other cyber criminals operating similar rackets.
Preliminary inquiries have revealed that several other cyber gangs are also using SIM boxes to commit fraud. Efforts are underway to identify these criminals and initiate strict action against them. Raids are being conducted at suspicious locations to arrest gang members swiftly.
One of the major challenges in this operation is the gang’s international links. Officials said most fraudulent transactions were conducted through cryptocurrency and dealings were carried out on the dark web. During the probe, the EOU sealed one of Harshit’s bank accounts holding more than Rs 2.5 crore and has identified over 35 other accounts involved in transactions worth crores.
A special team of the CBI’s Economic Offenses Unit and Intelligence Bureau reached Patna on Tuesday to assist the EOU in the investigation. More officers are expected to join soon to facilitate coordinated action in other states as well.
EOU ADG Nayyar Hasnain Khan said extensive preparations have been made to investigate the entire racket and arrest all criminals involved in cyber fraud. He added that many suspects could be arrested soon as the probe intensifies.
