Uttar Pradesh Police uncovered a cross-border cyber fraud trail involving cryptocurrency transfers worth ₹81 crore routed to Pakistan-based operators. The revelations followed the arrest of Golu Kumar and his father, Bhushan Chaudhary, residents of Champaran in Bihar, who allegedly managed mule accounts linked to the transactions.
Police said the duo provided access to five family bank accounts that were later used by Suspier Chaudhary of Nawada, arrested in Gurugram on July 27, for converting the money into cryptocurrency through Binance app IDs. Suspier reportedly earned a 10% commission for overseeing the transfers.
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Crypto Trail Raises Red Flags
Investigators revealed that between the five Binance IDs operated by the father-son duo, nearly ₹81 crore of the total ₹101.34 crore was transferred over an 11-month period. The funds, converted into cryptocurrency, were then routed to Pakistan-based Binance IDs, raising concerns of potential links to organized crime or even terror financing.
Balrampur Superintendent of Police Vikash Kumar said while no terror funding angle has been established yet, the possibility cannot be ruled out. He stated that they have written to specialised agencies like the Anti-Terror Squad (ATS) and National Investigation Agency (NIA) as multi-state and international dimensions are emerging.
A senior police official at DGP headquarters in Lucknow confirmed that detailed reports from Balrampur have been sought for central review. The officer added that the ATS has already been asked to examine possible terror funding links. If necessary, the case will be referred to national agencies for further investigation.
Binance IDs Under Scanner
According to police, six Binance IDs were used in the illegal transfers, including five in India and one in Nepal. Authorities have already traced three accounts and requested Binance to share data on the Nepal-based ID.
Investigators said Golu Kumar ran a cyber café and a Jan Seva Kendra in East Champaran, which served as a front for his operations. He allegedly told police that he learned how to convert Indian rupees into cryptocurrency through Binance two years ago, after being introduced to handlers who guided him in setting up the IDs.
Officials believe more revelations could surface as they continue to track additional accounts and international connections tied to the case.
