Voice over internet protocol, the latest tool for extortionists

New Delhi: "Give me Rs 20 lakh or ready to face dire consequences," was a common sentence used by extortionists at the end of their calls in 2017.

According to Delhi Police data between January 2017 and May 2018, over 200 cases of extortion were reported in the Capital, in which detailed investigation led to the arrest of more than 270 persons.

The Delhi Police data, accessed by Millennium Post, claimed that in 2017, as many as 171 extortion cases were reported, whereas till May 15 this year, 65 such cases have been reported. "127 cases were solved last year, while 37 have been worked out in 2018," the data states.

This year, the accused have been using the latest voice over internet protocol (VOIP) technology to hid their identity and call their prospective victims.

Cases of extortion are invariable done to earn money in quick time, or to settle personal scores or to create fear among people.

The data also claims that last year, 209 persons were arrested, whereas 64 accused were nabbed this year.

Police sources claimed they have conducted fair and detailed investigation in all extortion cases and with advancement of technology, the accused have changed their modus operandi and are now VOIP for extortion.

In June this year, South Delhi Police busted a gang that demanded Rs one crore from a businessman, and used VOIP to mask their identity and location.

A senior police officer said that the arrested accused, all of whom are techies, also dropped names of gangsters to generate fear in the businessman.

He added that the accused were using advanced mobile apps to hide their identity and location. The app reportedly creates a new ID and generates a new VOIP number for every extortion call and SMS.

Explaining the modus operandi, the officer told Millennium Post that the accused first register in a VOIP site. After registration, they make calls through the internet, and during each call, the receiver's phone would shows a different mobile numbers from a different country.

"The original number get hidden and cracking the domain is important," said the police officer.

In another extortion case lodged in Rajasthan's Alwar where a businessman was demanded Rs 10 crore, Delhi Police were able to make a breakthrough by analysing more than 100 phone calls and WhatsApp chats.