India successfully blocked 17,000 WhatsApp accounts, marking a major move against offshore criminals who operate from Asian nations to defraud Indians in cyber crime. “Team I4C collaborated with the Department of Telecom to block 17,000 WhatsApp accounts used by cybercriminals based in Southeast Asia as part of a special initiative to disrupt the offshore criminal network,” according to high-level individuals acquainted with the matter.
Additionally, sources attested to the fact that these accounts were actively engaged in using digital arrests to trap Indians. According to sources, over half of the accounts had been active since January 2024.
“Numerous forms of cyber fraud occurred using these accounts. Most of them deceived people through digital arrests. Several SIM cards coordinated to deceive Indians. The investigation revealed that the locations of these accounts were outside of India. Despite a difficult process, the administration managed to shut down these accounts,” a senior government official said.
To find these accounts, Indian agencies also used artificial intelligence and the newest technology. These 17,000 WhatsApp accounts were also blocked by central agencies with the help of many state police forces.
Previously, Indian agencies blocked Skype accounts. Now, with the help of state cyber wings, they will shut these WhatsApp accounts, which could deal a serious blow to cybercriminals.
PM Modi Warns Against Digital Arrest Frauds, Urges Public to Stay Cautious
Prime Minister Narendra Modi had already issued a warning about the perils of “digital arrests” and emphasized that no investigative body ever contacts someone via video chat or phone to demand money or question them.
Modi claimed during his “Mann Ki Baat” program that this specific type of cybercrime impacts every sphere of society. When faced with such a swindle, he advised individuals to follow the maxim “stop, think, and take action.”
Callers pose as police, CBI, RBI, or drug officials in order to fool victims under the digital arrest fraud scheme. “I was invited to discuss this in Mann Ki Baat. You must comprehend this. Gathering your personal data is the first step. Establishing a fearful environment is the second step. You will not be able to think because they will frighten you so much. Applying time pressure is the third phase. All age groups and societal segments are affected by digital arrests. Numerous people have lost thousands of their hard-earned funds. Do not be scared if you ever receive a call like this. “You should be aware that no investigative agency uses video calls or the phone to conduct these kinds of interrogations,” he stated.
