Kanpur Cyber Crime Branch has busted an organised gang accused of creating fake websites resembling reputed online shopping platforms to cheat users through fraudulent payment gateways, credit card data theft and digital wallet transactions. Four accused have been arrested, while the alleged mastermind, Shubham Thakur, remains absconding.
According to officials, the gang has cheated at least 18 victims and caused suspicious transactions worth around ₹13 lakh in one reported case. Police recovered ATM cards, bank passbooks, cheque books, SIM cards and other suspicious documents from the arrested accused.
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Victim’s Documents Used in Fraudulent Transactions
The case came to light after Varun Sonkar, a resident of Gitanagar, filed a complaint with the cyber police station. He alleged that Sahil Yadav of Kakadev contacted him and claimed he could help arrange a job and financial assistance.
On this pretext, Sahil allegedly took possession of Varun’s SIM card, Aadhaar card, bank passbook and ATM card. After nearly 20 days passed without any assistance, Varun demanded his documents back.
When he later reinserted his SIM card and checked his bank details, he allegedly found suspicious transactions worth approximately ₹13 lakh from his account. He then lodged an FIR, prompting the Cyber Crime Branch to begin an investigation.
Four Accused Arrested, Mastermind Absconding
Following the complaint, police arrested one accused near Shiv Narayan Tandon Bridge and three others from the Gitanagar area. The arrested accused have been identified as Sahil Yadav, a B.Pharm student, Prashant Gupta, a BA student, Akash Saroj, who studied till Class 12, and Mohd. Meraj, a Class 10 pass AC mechanic from Kaushambi.
Police said the main accused, Shubham Thakur, is still absconding, and efforts are underway to trace him. Investigators believe the group was operating from a rented flat in Gitanagar, which was allegedly used as a base for carrying out cyber fraud activities.
Officials said the gang lured victims with offers of easy income, heavy discounts and credit card limit enhancement schemes. They allegedly used these promises to collect sensitive documents and financial details from unsuspecting people.
Fake Payment Gateways Used to Steal Card Data
According to the Cyber Crime Branch, the accused created fake websites resembling genuine e-commerce platforms and embedded fraudulent payment gateway links. When users entered card or banking details, the information was allegedly captured by the accused.
Police said the stolen credit card and banking data was then used to transfer money into e-wallets before being withdrawn through ATMs. Investigators are analysing digital records and banking transactions to trace the wider network.
Police have registered cases under provisions related to cyber fraud, cheating and the Information Technology Act. Investigators are also examining possible international links, with indications pointing towards countries such as Cambodia and Malaysia, while officials said more arrests and further revelations may follow as the probe progresses.
