đïž Chronological Timeline & Key Details:
đ Early 2024 â Onward:
đšđł A Chinese cybercrime syndicate began operating in đźđł India, recruiting locals to open bank accounts for laundering illicit money.
đž AprilâJune 2025:
đ° The network laundered around âč75â80 lakh (USâŻ$90,000) using Tether (USDT), a stablecoin transferred via the TRC-20 blockchain (TRC = Tron blockchain network).
đ These were peer-to-peer crypto transfers, bypassing regulated exchanges and avoiding Know-Your-Customer (KYC) checks.
đ± Operations through Telegram & Encrypted Channels:
đŹ The fraud ring coordinated via Telegram, exploiting anonymity tools to conduct illegal crypto transactions.
đ June 2025 â Arrests in India:
đź The Uttar Pradesh Cyber Crime Unit (India) led coordinated raids in three Indian cities:
âȘïž Lucknow (Uttar Pradesh, India)
âȘïž Raebareli (Uttar Pradesh, India)
âȘïž Gonda (Uttar Pradesh, India)
đ Result: 10 Indian intermediaries were arrested.
đ§Ÿ Modus Operandi:
đŻ Victims were scammed online by Chinese-linked entities.
đŠ The stolen money was sent to Indian mule bank accounts.
đ± Intermediaries converted the funds into crypto (mainly USDT via TRC-20).
đ The crypto was transferred back to China; agents kept a commission.
đ Evidence Seized:
The Uttar Pradesh Cyber Crime authorities confiscated:
đ± Mobile devices
đ» Laptops
đ Bank records and digital wallets
đ” Cash
đ§Ș All as part of their forensic investigation.
âïž Legal Status (June 2025):
đ€ Two of the 10 suspects agreed to turn state witnesses for the Indian government.
âïž Remaining suspects are in judicial custody, awaiting formal charges.
đĄ Conclusion: How to Prevent Such Crypto-Laundering Crimes?
1. đ Stricter Regulation of P2P Crypto Markets
†Mandatory KYC and reporting for all USDT (TRC-20) transactions to reduce anonymity.
2. đ€ AI-Based Transaction Monitoring
†Use blockchain analytics (e.g., Chainalysis, Elliptic) to track high-risk patterns.
3. đŁ Public Awareness Campaigns
†Educate the public about crypto frauds and digital scams.
4. đ Global Cooperation
†Enhance international enforcement ties, especially with countries like China.
5. đ” Telegram & App Surveillance (within legal limits)
†Monitor encrypted platforms used by laundering networks while respecting privacy rights.
#CYBER #CryptoCrime $TRX $USDT