ED arrests advocate in connection with Rs 28,000-crore cyber fraud scheme

The Enforcement Directorate (ED) has arrested an advocate in connection with an expansive cyber fraud network that allegedly defrauded individuals and entities across India of approximately Rs 28,000 crore, officials said on Monday. The suspect's legal background is understood to have provided crucial access and credibility to the fraud operation, enabling perpetrators to target victims more effectively. The arrest follows months of investigation by ED officials tracking financial flows and digital trails linked to the organised cyber crime scheme. The network allegedly operated through sophisticated methods including phishing, social engineering, and compromised digital platforms to siphon off funds from unsuspecting victims. The investigation revealed that the fraud operation had established itself across multiple states, with the advocate allegedly facilitating legal and administrative aspects of the criminal enterprise. Authorities are conducting further interrogation to identify other members of the network and trace the proceeds of crime. The ED has initiated asset recovery proceedings and is coordinating with other agencies to dismantle the entire criminal infrastructure, officials added.