Noida Police Bust Fake International Crime Bureau

Six men were arrested in Noida for running a fake office called the "International Police & Crime Investigation Bureau," where they impersonated government officials and extorted money from people using forged documents, fake IDs, and police-like insignia. The fraudulent operation was uncovered after police received a tip-off about suspicious activities at a rented office in Sector 70, Noida.

The gang had recently rented the premises around early June and operated the bogus office for approximately 10 to 15 days before the police raid. They created a false image of legitimacy by displaying forged certificates from various central ministries such as Tribal Affairs, Ayush, and Social Justice, and claimed connections with international organizations like Interpol and the International Human Rights Commission. They also ran a website (www.intlpcrib.in) to solicit donations from the public under the guise of their fake investigative bureau.

Police seized extensive evidence from the premises during the raid, including multiple forged identity cards, stamp seals, cheque books, fake ministry certificates, various visiting cards, several mobile phones, cash, and signage resembling real police offices. The accused—residents of West Bengal—had also fabricated press IDs and other paraphernalia to add credibility to their setup.

The accused purportedly promised to assist people in matters such as retrieving stranded relatives abroad and other police-related work but demanded money for their fake services. Their intention was to create a parallel policing system to mislead and cheat the public.

This case follows soon after a similar fake embassy scam was busted in Ghaziabad, highlighting a concerning trend of organized fraud using fake government offices to exploit citizens. Noida police have registered a case under relevant sections of the Bharatiya Nyaya Sanhita (BNS), Information Technology Act, and Emblems and Names (Prevention of Improper Use) Act.

From a wider perspective, such scams reflect the vulnerabilities in public awareness about government institutions and the ease with which fraudsters can exploit official-sounding names and insignia online and offline. It emphasizes the need for citizens to verify official entities carefully, especially those soliciting money or donations, and for authorities to increase vigilance against emerging complex frauds that blend physical setups with online operations.

The Noida police action demonstrates proactive law enforcement responding promptly to tip-offs, disrupting the scam before it expanded and causing more harm. Continuous public education and transparent communication about fake agencies can help reduce such incidents in the future. Meanwhile, authorities continue investigations to identify further victims or links.

This incident reminds us that in today's digital and interconnected world, a cautious and informed approach is essential for everyone to avoid falling prey to sophisticated scams that mimic legitimate government bodies.

With inputs from agencies

Image Source: Multiple agencies