Varanasi/Bhadohi: Uttar Pradesh Police have busted an organised cyber fraud network allegedly involved in scams worth nearly ₹10 crore, arresting two juveniles in connection with the case. According to investigators, the gang lured villagers by promising benefits under government welfare schemes and easy loans, persuaded them to open bank accounts, and later used those accounts to launder money generated through cyber frauds across the country. Five accused, including the alleged kingpin, have been arrested so far, while efforts are underway to identify and apprehend other members of the network.
Police said the two juveniles, aged 15 and 16, were apprehended from the Hariharnath Mandir area and Gopipur village. Their alleged involvement surfaced during the interrogation of three previously arrested suspects, including the alleged mastermind, Anshul Mishra. The juveniles were produced before the Juvenile Justice Board and subsequently sent to judicial custody.
The investigation began after a complaint was filed by Aman Kumar Bind, a resident of Balipur. He alleged that the accused convinced him and his sister to open bank accounts on the promise of arranging loans. After the accounts were opened, the gang allegedly retained their passbooks, ATM cards and the mobile SIM cards linked to the accounts. When he demanded the documents back, the accused allegedly threatened him.
According to police, the gang systematically targeted villagers and economically vulnerable individuals. Victims were promised government scheme benefits, subsidies or quick loans, following which bank accounts were opened in their names. The accused allegedly kept complete control over these accounts by retaining all banking documents, ATM cards and linked mobile numbers.
Investigators said forensic examination of mobile phones recovered from the juveniles revealed details of more than 200 bank accounts. Preliminary verification showed that these accounts are linked to over 500 complaints registered on the National Cyber Crime Reporting Portal (NCRP). Police are now analysing financial transactions and digital evidence to establish links between these accounts and cyber fraud cases reported across multiple states.
According to investigators, the network allegedly routed money generated through a range of cyber crimes, including fake investment schemes, online trading frauds, e-commerce shopping scams, credit card fraud and APK malware-based attacks. The proceeds were then withdrawn through ATMs, petrol pump point-of-sale (POS) terminals, cryptocurrency transactions and other channels in an attempt to conceal the money trail.
Renowned cybercrime expert and former IPS officer Prof. Triveni Singh said cybercriminals are increasingly relying on “mule account” networks instead of using their own bank accounts. He warned that fraudsters often exploit people by offering loans, government benefits or employment opportunities in exchange for access to their banking credentials. He advised the public never to hand over bank accounts, ATM cards, passbooks, cheque books, OTPs or SIM cards to anyone, as such accounts may be used in serious cyber offences and could expose the account holder to legal consequences.
Police said detailed forensic analysis of the seized mobile phones, banking records, digital devices and financial transactions is currently underway. Investigators are also examining the interstate links of the network and tracing the flow of fraud proceeds through multiple financial channels. Officials believe the digital evidence collected during the investigation will help identify additional members of the syndicate and uncover the full extent of the operation.
