Kanpur: A major cybercrime network has been exposed in the Reuna area of Kanpur, where criminals were allegedly operating a “night call center” from huts and abandoned structures in rural villages. Police investigations have revealed suspicious transactions worth around ₹40 lakh over the past six months through 12 bank accounts, out of which nearly ₹10 lakh has already been frozen.
According to investigators, the entire network was operating through mule accounts opened in the names of relatives and acquaintances to evade banking surveillance and digital tracking systems.
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Fraud Network Spanning 12 Accounts and ₹40 Lakh Transactions
Police findings indicate that accounts from several banks including Gramin Bank, Punjab National Bank, and Bank of Baroda were used in the scam. So far, more than 12 accounts have been identified, through which approximately ₹40 lakh was transferred across multiple channels.
The money was further routed through over 40 additional accounts, making it extremely difficult for investigators to trace the flow of funds. Officials believe this was a well-organized cyber fraud structure designed to avoid detection.
Night-Time Calling Operation from Huts
Investigations revealed that several villages in Ghatanpur and Kanpur Dehat districts were being used as operational hubs. Criminals used abandoned huts and damaged buildings as bases for their activities, conducting night-time calling operations to trap victims in investment, loan, and other fraud schemes.
During raids, police recovered items such as stoves, liquor bottles, snack packets, and other suspicious materials, suggesting that the accused were staying at these locations for extended periods while planning and executing the fraud.
Use of Mule Accounts to Hide Transactions
According to police, the gang opened multiple mule accounts in the names of local residents. These accounts were used solely to receive and transfer fraud money.
In many cases, the accounts were operated online by gang members themselves, enabling rapid fund transfers across multiple accounts to complicate investigation and tracking.
Woman Detained After Visiting Bank with Suspicious Account
The investigation took a serious turn when a woman arrived at a bank attempting to withdraw money from a suspicious account. Bank officials found that the account had already been frozen and immediately alerted the police.
The woman was detained for questioning but was later released after interrogation. It was found that the account belonged to an already arrested accused and contained approximately ₹6.5 lakh.
Gang Leader on the Run, Surveillance Intensified in Villages
Police have identified the main gang leader as Sushil Kumar, who is currently absconding. Investigators also suspect that several members of the gang are active in villages of Kanpur Dehat district.
These areas have previously been linked to similar cyber fraud networks, prompting police to intensify surveillance and conduct regular checks.
Possibility of Larger Network Under Investigation
Officials stated that the case may not be limited to a few villages, as a larger organized cyber fraud network could be operating behind the scenes. Bank accounts, mobile data, and digital transaction trails are being thoroughly analyzed.
Authorities have indicated that more arrests and major revelations are expected in the coming days as the investigation progresses.
