New Delhi, November 28, 2024: An Enforcement Directorate (ED) team conducting raids in a cyber fraud-related money laundering case was allegedly attacked at a farmhouse in southwest Delhi’s Bijwasan area on Thursday. The incident, which resulted in minor injuries to an Enforcement Officer (EO), has been reported to the police, officials said.
The ED had launched the operation based on intelligence from the Indian Cyber Crime Coordination Centre (I4C) and the Financial Intelligence Unit (FIU). The inputs pointed to a large-scale cyber fraud network involving phishing, QR code scams, and fake part-time job offers, leading to significant financial losses for victims across the country.
According to sources, the farmhouse raid targeted suspects Ashok Sharma and his brother, who are allegedly key players in the case. The accused reportedly attacked the ED team during the search, but the situation was brought under control, and operations continued after the injured officer received first aid.
The investigation revolves around fraudulent activities linked to the UAE-based Pyypl payment aggregator app. Officials revealed that proceeds from cybercrimes were funneled through approximately 15,000 “mule” accounts before being withdrawn using debit and credit cards. The funds were then transferred to virtual accounts on the Pyypl platform, which were subsequently used to purchase cryptocurrency.
“This network appears to involve a systematic layering of illicit funds to obscure their origin,” a source close to the investigation said. “Chartered accountants were allegedly operating the financial machinery behind these fraudulent transactions.”
The ED has intensified its crackdown on this cyber fraud network as part of its broader efforts to curb money laundering through digital platforms. The searches are ongoing, with further evidence expected to shed light on the network’s operations and its connections to international financial systems.
A senior ED official confirmed that the investigation remains focused on dismantling the infrastructure facilitating these cybercrimes. “Our team will continue pursuing leads and holding those responsible accountable,” the official added.
The attack on the ED team has been described as an obstruction of justice, and additional security measures may be considered for future operations. The police are investigating the incident, and charges may be filed against the individuals involved in the assault.
As the probe progresses, the ED aims to trace the flow of illicit funds, dismantle the network, and ensure the perpetrators face legal consequences.
