Ghaziabad — Report
The Special Task Force (STF) of Uttar Pradesh has uncovered what officials describe as a well-organized cyber fraud network. Six men were arrested in the operation, which also led to the recovery of ₹25.6 lakh in cash, five forged Aadhaar cards, and eight mobile phones.
Investigators said the syndicate was being run out of Bihar, with help from two bank employees who allegedly leaked customer identification details (KYC) to the fraudsters. Using forged identities, the group is believed to have opened nearly 100 bank accounts that were then used to channel money from online scams and hawala transactions.
FCRF Academy Invites Legal Experts to Shape India’s First Comprehensive Cyber Law Certification
Breaking into the Banking System
The group lured victims through investment schemes, online gaming apps, and attractive offers, according to investigators. Funds obtained from victims were routed into the fake accounts and later laundered into cash through multiple layers of transactions.
Officials added that the network extended across several states, often disguising its money trail through cryptocurrency and digital wallets.
The Bihar Connection
Five of those arrested are from Bihar, while one is from Bulandshahr in Uttar Pradesh. Some members of the group had previously served jail time in similar fraud cases.
Expert Concerns
Professor Triveni Singh, a noted cybercrime expert and former IPS officer, warned that the case shows how deeply cybercriminals are infiltrating India’s financial system.
“When bank employees themselves begin leaking or selling customer data, the threat becomes far more serious. This is not just fraud it is a direct assault on financial security and digital trust,” Singh said.
He added that catching gangs is not enough: “Banks must strengthen internal controls and ensure accountability among staff, or such crimes will only continue to grow.”
The Road Ahead
The STF has begun tracing the broader chain of accounts and digital transactions linked to the racket. Officials believe the actual sums laundered may be far greater than the cash seized during the operation.