Kanpur Police have arrested two young men after suspicious transactions worth nearly ₹14 crore were detected in bank accounts allegedly linked to a wider cyber fraud network. Investigators believe the racket targeted victims across 13 states through Telegram groups promising profits from share trading, investment schemes and online gaming platforms.
According to police, the operation was launched after inputs from the National Cyber Crime Reporting Portal identified the Keshavpuram area of Kanpur as a possible cybercrime hotspot. Based on the alert, Rawatpur Police Station and the West Zone Cyber Cell began monitoring suspicious mobile numbers, bank accounts and digital activity in the area.
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NCRP Inputs Led Police to Suspicious Accounts
During the investigation, police found several bank accounts with unusually large financial transactions. A detailed review of banking records and digital evidence led to the arrest of two accused, who police said had studied up to Class 12 and Class 10 respectively.
Four mobile phones and around ₹42,000 in cash were recovered from their possession. Preliminary findings suggest that nearly ₹14 crore had been routed through five bank accounts operated by the accused and their associates.
Investigators suspect the accounts were used to receive, transfer and distribute funds allegedly obtained through cyber fraud. Police are now examining whether these accounts functioned as mule accounts to conceal the identities of the final beneficiaries.
Victims Targeted Across 13 States
Digital evidence collected during the probe indicates that victims were targeted across at least 13 states, including West Bengal, Karnataka, Punjab, Kerala, Gujarat and Maharashtra.
During questioning, the accused reportedly revealed links to a Telegram-based network. Through these groups, victims were allegedly lured with promises of high profits from share trading, online investments and gaming platforms.
Police said victims were asked to deposit money as investment amounts or processing fees. In many cases, communication later stopped, or victims were persuaded to make further payments under different pretexts.
Delhi-Based Suspect Under Scanner
Investigators are now searching for another suspect believed to be based in Delhi, who may have played a key role in coordinating the network’s operations. Police teams have been deployed to trace him, while coordination with agencies in other states is underway.
Authorities believe the cyber fraud network may be larger than initially suspected. Forensic examination of bank accounts, mobile devices and digital transaction records is continuing to identify additional members and map the full money trail.
In a separate cyber-related complaint from Kanpur, an Air Force airman alleged that ₹94,000 was withdrawn from his bank account after his mobile phone was stolen at a railway station. Police said the investigation into both incidents is underway, with officials urging citizens to remain cautious of Telegram-based investment offers and promises of guaranteed returns.
