In a significant crackdown on cyber-enabled intellectual property crimes, the Delhi Police on Thursday announced the bust of a sophisticated online book piracy network operating in the national capital. The operation led to the arrest of the alleged mastermind, 28-year-old Anmol Kiro, a resident of Mayur Vihar Phase-I, while notices were issued to five other individuals linked to the racket. The network was reportedly involved in distributing pirated academic books across India, leveraging digital platforms, e-commerce practices, and courier services to create the appearance of legitimacy.

The investigation, initiated after a First Information Report (FIR) was registered on November 3, targeted violations under the Copyright Act and charges related to cheating. Senior police officials stated that the case was flagged following complaints from publishers and vigilant monitoring of online piracy activities. Technical surveillance of the website associated with the network revealed the identity of Kiro, who allegedly coordinated the entire operation.

According to police sources, Kiro ran the network through an e-commerce platform called BookBhandar.in, supported by a linked social media account to promote and facilitate sales. The website mimicked a legitimate online storefront, employing digital payment systems and generating automated invoices to avoid suspicion. Payments from buyers were reportedly routed through a bank account in the name of Finskool Education, giving the operation an additional veneer of legitimacy.

The network’s operational model included sourcing pirated books from local vendors in Daryaganj, a known hub for cheap or unlicensed publications. Once procured, the books were systematically distributed across India via courier services. Printing and plate-making, essential steps in replicating the pirated material, were outsourced to independent units to minimize the risk of detection and to create layers of separation between the operator and the illegal production units.

In a raid at Kiro’s residence, police recovered 42 pirated academic books from reputed publishers, all intended for nationwide distribution. This initial seizure provided a critical lead into the scale and reach of the operation. During questioning, Kiro reportedly disclosed details about the larger supply chain, including his suppliers, couriers, and individuals managing the printing and plate-making activities.

Acting on this information, the police conducted a follow-up raid at Ganesh Nagar, Pandav Nagar, where 686 pirated books covering 18 different titles were recovered. These books, seized from the premises of Sunil Kumar Gupta, were subsequently deposited in the police malkhana as evidence. Investigators believe that the recovered materials represent only a fraction of the pirated stock that had been circulated through the network over time.

Further action led to notices being issued to five individuals implicated in the network. Sunil Kumar Gupta, from whose premises the majority of the pirated books were seized, was identified as a key distributor. Lalan Gupta, according to police, was responsible for receiving payments from the sale of pirated books, functioning as the financial facilitator of the operation. Naved, suspected to be a primary supplier of pirated material, and Kamran, who operates a printing press in Hauz Qazi where a printing machine was seized, were also issued notices for their involvement. Additionally, Hilal Mohammad, who was preparing printing plates used to replicate books, was identified as another crucial component of the network. Three such printing plates were confiscated during the raids.

Officials emphasized that the investigation revealed a well-structured hierarchy within the network. Kiro, as the central operator, coordinated orders, managed finances, and oversaw the e-commerce platform, while his associates managed logistics, printing, and material sourcing. This level of organization suggests that the network was not only criminally sophisticated but also capable of generating significant revenue by exploiting the high demand for academic books at lower costs.

The Delhi Police highlighted that such online piracy networks not only undermine the intellectual property rights of authors and publishers but also affect the broader educational ecosystem by circulating unauthorized and often substandard copies of textbooks and reference materials. Piracy of academic material, in particular, can have implications for students who rely on these books for study and examination purposes, as the quality of pirated content is often inconsistent with authentic editions.

Authorities also noted that the operation exemplifies how technology and e-commerce platforms can be misused for illegal purposes. By creating an online storefront, utilizing automated billing systems, and employing digital payment methods, the network was able to operate under the guise of legitimacy, making detection more challenging. Outsourcing critical stages such as printing and plate-making added another layer of operational security, demonstrating a level of planning and sophistication beyond typical street-level piracy operations.

This case forms part of the Delhi Police’s ongoing crackdown on cyber-enabled economic offences, copyright violations, and intellectual property crimes. Over the past few years, the rise of online platforms has given unprecedented reach to pirated content, making it a growing concern for law enforcement agencies and the publishing industry alike. Investigators stressed that the coordinated action against Kiro and his associates sends a strong message that online piracy, irrespective of scale, will be pursued aggressively.

In addition to legal proceedings, authorities are expected to examine the network’s digital footprint to track the flow of transactions and communications. Cybercrime units are likely to analyze the e-commerce platform, social media accounts, and payment channels used to identify potential accomplices and prevent further circulation of pirated materials. The police have indicated that additional arrests could follow as the investigation uncovers more participants in the network, particularly those involved in distribution, printing, and financial management.

The seizure of printing equipment and plates is also seen as a significant development in disrupting the operational capability of the network. With these materials confiscated, the ability of the network to produce further pirated books has been effectively curtailed. Investigators are now focusing on mapping the entire supply chain, from the initial sourcing of pirated material to the final delivery to consumers, to ensure that all responsible parties are brought to justice.

While the arrests mark a critical milestone, police officials caution that tackling book piracy requires ongoing vigilance. They have urged publishers, educators, and the public to report suspicious online platforms or vendors selling unauthorized copies. In doing so, authorities hope to prevent similar networks from emerging and to protect the intellectual property rights of authors and publishers who invest significant time and resources in creating academic content.

The Delhi Police have reiterated that this case underscores the evolving nature of cyber-enabled crimes in the education sector. From the use of technology for illegal financial gain to the distribution of pirated academic content on a national scale, the challenges posed by such networks are complex. Law enforcement agencies, therefore, must adopt a multi-pronged approach involving cyber investigation, financial forensics, and field operations to dismantle such sophisticated criminal setups.

As the investigation into Kiro and his associates continues, authorities are expected to file charges under the relevant sections of the Copyright Act, as well as provisions related to cheating, criminal conspiracy, and cybercrime. The NIA has also been notified about the case in view of its cyber and interstate dimensions. Legal experts suggest that successful prosecution will require comprehensive evidence, including seized pirated books, digital records, financial transactions, and testimonies from accomplices.

In conclusion, the Delhi Police’s action against Anmol Kiro and his network represents a landmark intervention against organized online book piracy. By arresting the alleged operator and issuing notices to key participants, law enforcement has effectively disrupted a nationwide distribution channel for pirated academic content. The case highlights the challenges posed by technology-driven intellectual property crimes and underscores the need for continuous monitoring, cross-agency coordination, and public vigilance to safeguard the interests of publishers, authors, and students across India.

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