October 15, 2024: In a significant crackdown, the Gujarat Police have arrested 17 individuals, including four Taiwanese nationals, for allegedly orchestrating a nationwide “digital arrest” scam that targeted elderly citizens across India. The operation reportedly duped victims into believing they were under investigation for serious offenses, such as money laundering or drug smuggling, and coerced them into paying substantial sums to avoid fictitious legal troubles.

The Taiwanese suspects—Mu Chi Sang (42), Chang Hu Yun (33), Wang Chun Wei (26), and Shen Wei (35)—were apprehended during coordinated raids in Delhi and Bengaluru, following extensive technical analysis and surveillance efforts. They are accused of overseeing the scam, managing rooted mobile devices, and facilitating financial transactions for the operation.

The remaining 13 suspects hail from various states, including Gujarat, Maharashtra, Jharkhand, Odisha, and Rajasthan. According to Sharad Singhal, joint commissioner of the Crime Branch in Ahmedabad, this scam is one of the largest of its kind encountered in recent times.

The Taiwanese group had reportedly been operating in India for the past year, providing crucial mobile applications and technical support that enabled gang members to transfer money illicitly. Evidence indicates that their criminal activities extended beyond India, with reported travels to Cambodia, Dubai, and China as part of their broader fraudulent operations.

“This operation demonstrates the international dimensions of cybercrime, highlighting the need for robust measures to protect vulnerable populations from such scams,” said Singhal in a statement. The police are continuing their investigation to uncover further details and potentially identify additional accomplices involved in this sophisticated racket.