Online fraudster arrested, Rs 1.2cr seized

Ballari: CEN police have successfully apprehended a member of an online fraud gang responsible for defrauding the city-based company Hindusthan Calcined Metals Private Limited of Rs 2.1 crore.The arrest was made by a team led by CEN division DSP Santosh Chavan, who travelled to Madhya Pradesh to capture Ajay Kumar Jaiswal of Sidi district and bring him back to the state. As a result of Ajay Kumar's arrest, Rs 1.2 crore has been recovered and an additional Rs 27.9 lakh has been frozen in the associated account. The phone used in the crime has also been seized, said SP Shobharani VJ during a press conference on Thursday.According to an officer, Ajay was a data operator who followed the instructions of the gang's leader, facilitating money transfers and withdrawals as directed. In this particular case, the money was reportedly transferred to 18 different accounts and subsequently withdrawn. The mastermind behind the scam is believed to be in Delhi and is expected to be arrested shortly.The press conference was attended by CEN station DSP Santosh Chavan, inspector Ramakanth YH and staff members MG Tipperudrappa, Hanumanthar Reddy, Yalleshi and Venkatesh.