Azamgarh, Uttar Pradesh: The Cyber Cell of Uttar Pradesh’s Azamgarh district has busted an interstate cyber fraud syndicate allegedly involved in duping victims across India through fake online trading schemes and so-called “digital arrest” scams. Three accused have been arrested in connection with the operation. According to police, the suspects have been linked to cyber-enabled financial frauds worth more than ₹84 crore. Investigators alleged that the accused supplied bank accounts on commission, enabling cybercriminals to receive and transfer proceeds of fraud. Police recovered five mobile phones and two ATM cards from their possession.
During the investigation, the Cyber Cell examined an Axis Bank account and found that it had allegedly been used in cyber fraud cases reported across 20 states. Investigators also identified 73 cybercrime complaints linked to these accounts, most involving fraudulent online trading platforms promising high returns and “digital arrest” scams in which victims were intimidated into transferring money.
Police said the investigation led to the identification of Anand Rao and Sunil Kumar, both from the Didarganj police station area. Their interrogation subsequently led investigators to Prashant Singh alias Lucky, who was also arrested. According to police, Prashant Singh allegedly procured bank accounts on a commission basis and shared their details with his associate Monu Singh and other cybercriminals. The accounts were allegedly used to receive fraud proceeds, which were later distributed among members of the network according to pre-arranged commission structures.
Investigators further revealed that more than ₹4.85 crore was routed through just two bank accounts within four days. Police are now analysing banking records, digital evidence and transaction histories to determine the total amount laundered through the network and identify victims across multiple states.
According to investigators, the syndicate operated across several states using sophisticated social engineering tactics. Victims were lured with promises of exceptionally high profits through fake online trading platforms or intimidated through fraudulent “digital arrest” calls impersonating law enforcement agencies. Once victims transferred funds into designated bank accounts, the money was rapidly moved through multiple accounts to obscure the financial trail.
Renowned cybercrime expert and former IPS officer Prof. Triveni Singh said that fake investment platforms and digital arrest scams have become two of the fastest-growing cybercrime models in India. He noted that criminal syndicates increasingly rely on social engineering, mule bank accounts and layered financial transactions to quickly disperse stolen funds, making both investigation and asset recovery significantly more challenging.
He advised the public to remain cautious of unsolicited calls or messages promising unrealistic investment returns or claiming to represent police, investigative agencies or regulatory authorities. Any demand for immediate financial transfers under the threat of legal action should be independently verified through official channels. Sensitive information such as bank account details, OTPs, UPI PINs, CVV numbers and internet banking credentials should never be shared over phone calls, emails or messaging applications.
Police continue to interrogate the arrested suspects while conducting forensic examinations of seized mobile phones, banking records and digital evidence. Investigators believe the ongoing analysis may uncover additional suspects, mule account operators and interstate links connected to the alleged ₹84 crore cyber fraud network, with further arrests and financial disclosures expected as the investigation progresses.
