Five cybercriminals busted in Rs 1.73 crore fraud, apps from Cambodia
By Doruvu Paul Jagan Babu: Assistant Chief Editor
Andhra Pradesh: In a major breakthrough, Anantapur police dismantled a five-member cybercrime syndicate operating from Cambodia and Delhi, seizing over Rs 41 lakh in cash and exposing a nationwide web of fake investment apps, identity theft, and cryptocurrency laundering.
Criminal network spread across states and borders
The cyber fraud case came to light after software engineer Narasimhappa from Veparalla village lodged a complaint on June 18, 2025. He was conned into transferring Rs 1.73 crore to fake investment schemes run via a WhatsApp group, lured by a Facebook ad. The gang, operating from Cambodia and routing funds through Delhi, used false identities and multiple bank accounts to carry out the fraud.
Seizure of cash, phones, SIMs, ATM cards, and car
In a meticulously coordinated operation led by SP P Jagadeesh, the Anantapur police seized: Rs 41.20 lakh cash, 8 mobile phones, 1 car, 20 ATM cards, 15 SIM cards, 5 bank passbooks, 10 cheque books and 2 WiFi routers.
This is one of the largest cybercrime-related seizures in Anantapur district’s history.
The modus operandi: From Facebook to fraud
Narasimhappa was added to a WhatsApp group promising high returns via investment in names like “VIP66 Bajaj Investment” and “K26 Zerodha Market Insights.” Initially, he was shown a profit of Rs 5.5 lakh and allowed to withdraw it—building trust. Encouraged, he invested Rs 1.73 crore between April 15 and May 14. When he attempted to withdraw Rs 3.4 crore (investment plus profit), he was told to first pay 40% in taxes and brokerage, raising suspicion.
Arrested accused spanned states
The arrested individuals are:
1. Bhavnesh Goyal alias Shyam G (48) – Tilak Nagar, West Delhi
2. Dharmendra Singh (43) – Bhaisakur village, Bulandshahar, Uttar Pradesh
3. Sapireddy Kodandarama Durgasai Prasad (32) – Jeedimetla, Hyderabad
4. Kongathi Krishna (43) – Chanderlapadu, NTR District
5. Vadlamudi Phani Kumar (39) – Chanderlapadu, NTR District
Police also revealed that a private bank manager assisted in facilitating fraudulent accounts and would be arrested soon.
Nationwide and international financial trails
Investigation uncovered that the money had been funneled into 13 fake accounts across India, many based in Delhi. There are strong leads suggesting crypto conversion for international transfer. The gang’s digital footprint aligns with patterns seen in Southeast Asia, particularly Cambodia, a known hub for fake app-based cybercrime operations.
Police response and larger context
This operation is part of an aggressive crackdown by Anantapur police. A similar case in November 2023 involved a Rs 36 crore scam, indicating the region’s emergence as a key cybercrime battlefield.
The District SP credited the success to special police teams led by CIs Jayanayak, Venkataramana, Sheikh Zakir, SS Nagamadhu, and Gurnath Reddy, under the supervision of Kalyandurg DSP Ravi Babu.
Growing cybercrime crisis
According to the 2023 National Crime Records Bureau, cybercrime cases surged by 24.4% from 2021 to 202*. Meanwhile, the Indian Institute of Technology, Delhi (2024) reports that 60% of cybercrimes in India involve SIM swapping or phishing attacks—both tactics found in this case.
The United Nations Office on Drugs and Crime (2023) further noted a 600% increase in global cybercrime revenue since 2019, with Cambodia emerging as a major operation base, often protected by regional criminal-political syndicates.
This unprecedented bust in Anantapur reveals the convergence of international crime networks with local enablers. It highlights the urgent need for stronger cyber-surveillance laws, coordination between cyber cells, and public awareness on online investment scams.
