₹11 Crore Cyber Fraud Across Eight States Linked to Fake Religious Trust

Police in Madhya Pradesh’s Sonbhadra have uncovered an alleged ₹11 crore cyber fraud involving a fake religious trust.

Investigators have identified 35 cases across eight states between February and October 2026, with the highest number reported from Karnataka. The alleged racket involved collecting donations through a trust created in the name of religious and charitable activities, while investigators suspect that several other organisations and bank accounts were used to move the proceeds.

How Was the Alleged Fraud Network Established?

According to police, the operation began with individuals establishing a religious organisation named Satya Sanatan Trust. The trust was allegedly used to collect money from people in different states under the pretext of charitable and religious work.

Investigators believe the accused initially approached people by claiming that funds were being raised for religious activities, education, healthcare and examination-related assistance. Women were also reportedly among those approached for contributions. The organisation was subsequently registered and operated from a rented room in Rewa, which was used as an office.

Police suspect that the trust’s identity helped those involved establish credibility with people approached for financial contributions.

FCRF’s Chief AI Officer Certification Returns on November 14 to Prepare Future AI Leaders

How Did ₹11 Crore Move Through the Accounts?

Investigators found that approximately ₹11 crore had allegedly been collected through fraudulent activities between February and October. Of this amount, ₹2.37 crore was transferred into an account associated with Satya Sanatan Trust in Rewa. The remaining money was reportedly transferred through other bank accounts. Police became aware of the suspicious transactions after unusually large amounts began moving through the trust’s account, attracting attention through the National Cybercrime Reporting Portal.

The investigation has also indicated that accounts belonging to associated individuals and organisations may have been used as mule accounts to facilitate the movement of funds.

Which States Were Affected?

Police have identified 35 cases involving people from Uttar Pradesh, Maharashtra, Tamil Nadu, Karnataka, Assam, Madhya Pradesh, West Bengal and Rajasthan. Karnataka recorded the highest number, with 11 cases linked to the alleged network.

Superintendent of Police Abhishek Verma said the investigation had uncovered several additional names beyond those already arrested. Some women were also among the individuals identified in connection with the suspected operation.

Police believe the alleged fraud may extend beyond the two organisations initially identified, with several other entities potentially involved in routing money.

What Action Are Police Taking?

Police have arrested three individuals, including an alleged gang leader, in connection with the investigation. According to SP Abhishek Verma, investigators have formed teams to examine the wider network and identify additional suspects. Efforts are underway to trace individuals whose names emerged during questioning and scrutiny of financial transactions.

Police are also gathering information about other organisations suspected of being involved in the operation and examining whether their bank accounts were used to transfer fraudulent proceeds. Further arrests and disclosures are possible as the investigation progresses.

The420 Insight: The investigation highlights how an organisation established in the name of religious or charitable work can allegedly be used to collect money and route funds through multiple accounts. With 35 cases identified across eight states and ₹11 crore under scrutiny, investigators are examining whether the suspected network extends to other organisations and individuals.