In a startling revelation, Noida Police unearthed a fraudulent operation where six individuals impersonated government officials and ran a fake police station to extort money from citizens. The accused allegedly used counterfeit documents, fabricated government seals, and threats of legal action to intimidate victims into paying hefty sums. The cyber crime unit conducted a targeted raid in Greater Noida, recovering forged ID cards, fake letterheads, mobile phones, and a printer used to create the deceptive materials.
According to authorities, the gang meticulously mimicked official protocols, even setting up a makeshift office to replicate a government workspace. They contacted victims via phone, falsely accusing them of crimes such as money laundering or tax evasion, and demanded payments to avoid arrest. "They exploited peopleās fear of legal repercussions," a senior police official stated. "Many victims paid up out of panic, not realizing they were being scammed."
The operation unraveled after multiple complaints reached the Uttar Pradesh Director General of Policeās office, prompting a joint investigation with the Noida Cyber Police. Victims described being pressured to transfer funds through digital wallets or hand over cash during fake "raids." One individual reported losing ā¹9.5 lakh after being threatened with property confiscation, while others were coerced with warnings of frozen bank accounts.
Police emphasized that the accused had no legitimate government ties and operated entirely outside the law. "Genuine officials follow strict procedures and never demand cash settlements," investigators cautioned, urging citizens to verify credentials through official channels before complying with such demands. The six arrested individuals face charges including cheating, forgery, and criminal conspiracy under relevant sections of the Indian Penal Code.
Authorities suspect the network may have targeted victims across multiple states, given the seized materials included documents linked to other regions. Efforts are underway to identify additional accomplices and assess the full extent of financial losses. The case highlights the growing sophistication of impersonation scams and serves as a stark reminder for the public to remain vigilant against fraudulent authority figures.
