Himachal Pradesh government establishes Special Investigation Team to investigate cryptocurrency scams
Himachal Pradesh government creates SIT to probe cryptocurrency frauds, led by DIG Abhishek Dullar.
Highlights
- Government acts on global cryptocurrency fraud concerns, sets up specialised cyber police stations
- MLA Hoshiyar Singh unveiled Rs 200 crore cryptocurrency scams that affected 425 victims of this fraud
Concerned about the growth of cryptocurrency-related fraud, the Himachal Pradesh government has taken a significant step by announcing the establishment of a Special Investigation Team (SIT) to thoroughly investigate these cases. Deputy Chief Minister Mukesh Agnihotri disclosed this decision during a session when Dehra MLA Hoshiyar Singh raised concerns about the issue.
Deputy Chief Minister Mukesh Agnihotri, in response to a question from Dehra MLA Hoshiyar Singh, stated that Abhishek Dullar, DIG (Northern Range), will lead the Special Investigation Team (SIT), along with other knowledgeable professionals in the field, to address and investigate all complaints of this nature.
Cryptocurrency fraud epidemic sparks government action
Agnihotri emphasised that the surge in cryptocurrency fraud cases has become a worldwide and nationwide issue. He voiced his concerns about people succumbing to the allure of quick financial gains, thereby falling prey to fraudulent schemes.
Over the past two years, cyber police stations have received a staggering 56 complaints regarding cryptocurrency fraud. This alarming figure led to the registration of six first information reports (FIR) and five arrests, including three individuals from Himachal Pradesh and two from Punjab.
In response to the rising threat of cryptocurrency-related crimes, the government has also taken steps to establish three cyber police stations in key locations – Shimla, Mandi, and Kangra.
These specialised units are specifically designed to combat cryptocurrency-related criminal activities, further underlining the seriousness of the issue.
Cryptocurrency scams plague Himachal Pradesh
MLA Hoshiyar Singh highlighted the severity of cryptocurrency scams that have severely impacted the districts of Kangra and Hamirpur, with a staggering sum of nearly Rs 200 crore being swindled in each district. Disturbingly, a total of 425 individuals have fallen victim to this fraud, with an alarming Rs 10 crore being taken from the constituents of Dehra alone.
Singh said needy people are enticed by the promise of doubling their investments within eight months, especially in Kangra, Una and Hamirpur districts.
The MLA said that vulnerable individuals in the state are falling victim to well-organised online scammers, and it is crucial to uncover the intricate methods used by these gangs in order to fully understand and address such scams.
The MLA stressed the importance of involving specialists in identifying and apprehending the culprits responsible for these fraudulent activities.
