New Delhi. Delhi Police has arrested a man accused of carrying out unauthorised UPI transactions worth more than ₹1.2 lakh through a stolen mobile phone. The case began with an e-FIR registered at IGI Airport Metro Police Station, where the complainant reported that the stolen device had been used to make multiple digital payments.
Stolen Phone Used for UPI Transactions
According to police officials, the complainant’s mobile phone was misused to carry out transactions totalling approximately ₹1,20,390. Investigators found that the money was split into several smaller payments and routed through different merchant accounts.
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Police said the pattern suggested an attempt to obscure the money trail and delay detection. Officials added that such cases often move quickly, as offenders exploit active UPI applications before victims can block banking services or report the theft.
Eleven Suspicious Transactions Traced
During the investigation, police analysed 11 suspicious UPI transactions using digital forensic tools and beneficiary profiling. Physical verification and technical surveillance were also carried out to trace the movement of funds across multiple accounts.
A breakthrough came when one beneficiary, identified as Neetu from Safidon in Haryana, was traced and examined. Her questioning led investigators to the main accused, identified as Kushagra Ahuja.
Wider Network Under Investigation
Police officials said tracing the accused was difficult because he frequently changed locations and did not maintain a fixed residence. Further investigation indicated that the stolen money was quickly distributed across multiple local merchant accounts.
Authorities are now examining whether the accused acted alone or was part of a wider cyber fraud network. Bank transaction records, mobile device logs and digital wallet data are being reviewed to trace the full fund flow.
Police have advised citizens to immediately block banking apps, UPI services and SIM cards in case of mobile theft or loss. Officials said the investigation is continuing, and further arrests have not been ruled out.
