Retired IPS Officer Falls Prey to Online Scam: Mumbai Police Arrest SIM Card Dealer

Mumbai, 16th March 2024: In Mumbai, a distressing incident unfolded as a retired IPS officer fell victim to an online scam, losing nearly two lakh rupees. The retired Assistant Commissioner of Police (ACP) reported the incident, stating that he had incurred a loss of Rs 1.76 lakh.

Upon receiving the complaint, a dedicated team from Bandra police station initiated a thorough investigation. Subsequently, a SIM card dealer from Jalgaon, Maharashtra, named Ajay Birhade, was apprehended in connection with the fraud.

During interrogation, Birhade disclosed his collaboration with another individual, who currently remains at large. Birhade’s involvement in a cyber-phishing gang also came to light during questioning.

It was revealed that Birhade operated a SIM card business in Jalgaon and facilitated the activation of SIM cards utilized in criminal activities in Rajasthan.

The accused has been charged under relevant sections of the Indian Penal Code and the Information and Technology (IT) Act. Following his arrest, he was remanded into police custody by the competent authority.

The modus operandi of the fraudsters was elucidated by a senior officer from the Mumbai Police’s Cyber Wing. The scam was initiated with a member of the gang establishing contact with the retired IPS officer on Facebook, posing as a friend of his former colleague. Under the guise of relocating to another city, the fraudster proposed a deal to sell household items listed on OLX.

Trusting the fraudulent scheme, the retired officer transferred the agreed amount via Google Pay. The fraudster utilized a fake identity on Facebook, presenting himself as a CRPF personnel, to further deceive the victim.

Three additional suspects involved in the scam remain at large as investigations continue into the matter.