News Mania Desk/Agnibeena Ghosh/25th July 2024
Bidhannagar city police in West Bengal have successfully dismantled a honey trap call centre operating in the Rajarhat, New Town area of Kolkata’s suburbs, leading to the arrest of five individuals involved in the illicit operation.
Among the arrested, four are women. The police raid resulted in the seizure of various items used in the scheme, including video call gadgets, cameras, mobile phones, and bank documents. These tools were crucial in the extortion activities carried out by the call centre.
The Bidhannagar City Police announced their successful operation on the social media platform X (formerly Twitter), sharing an animated video that detailed the bust. According to their post, the raid was executed based on reliable intelligence they had received earlier.
The modus operandi of this racket involved initiating video calls with unsuspecting individuals, gaining their trust, and exchanging private photos. During these calls, the perpetrators would secretly record the interactions without the victims’ knowledge. They later used these recordings to blackmail their targets, demanding money in exchange for not releasing the compromising videos.
The arrested individuals have been identified as Imran Taraphder, Mithu Paul, Mamata Singh, Laxmi Saha, and Jayashree Sadhukhan. The police have indicated that this operation is part of a broader effort to crack down on such extortion schemes and protect citizens from cyber fraud.
The discovery of this call centre highlights a growing concern regarding digital privacy and security. As technology continues to evolve, so do the methods employed by cybercriminals. The police have urged the public to remain vigilant and report any suspicious activities to prevent falling victim to such schemes.
This incident is a stark reminder of the importance of cybersecurity measures and the need for public awareness about the tactics used by criminals in the digital age. The police’s proactive approach and swift action in dismantling this call centre demonstrate their commitment to tackling cybercrime and protecting the community.
In light of this bust, authorities are likely to increase surveillance and investigative efforts to identify and dismantle similar operations in other regions. Public cooperation and awareness are crucial in this fight against cyber extortion and fraud.
The Bidhannagar City Police’s effective use of social media to communicate their efforts also underscores the role of digital platforms in modern law enforcement. By sharing information and raising awareness, they aim to prevent future crimes and encourage the public to report any suspicious activities promptly.
As the investigation continues, the police are expected to uncover more details about the operation and its reach. This case serves as a wake-up call for both authorities and the public to enhance their understanding of cyber threats and adopt measures to safeguard against them.
The community’s response to this incident will be critical in shaping future preventive measures. By staying informed and cautious, individuals can contribute to creating a safer digital environment. The police’s successful bust of the honey trap call centre in Kolkata is a significant step forward in the ongoing battle against cybercrime.
