Kanpur: Uttar Pradesh Police have busted an alleged cyber fraud network operating from villages in Kanpur’s Sachendi area, arresting 13 accused during a large-scale operation involving 125 police personnel and drone surveillance. Investigators allege that the gang targeted victims across multiple states by impersonating police and crime branch officials, using fear tactics and false promises of government scheme benefits to extort money. Police are continuing efforts to trace more than 20 other suspected members believed to be part of the network.
According to police, coordinated raids were carried out in four villages under the Sachendi police station limits after intelligence and technical surveillance indicated that members of the gang were operating from the area. Authorities said drones were deployed to monitor movement and assist the raiding teams in surrounding the villages before making the arrests.
Investigators said the accused allegedly contacted victims over the phone while posing as police officers or crime branch officials. Victims were falsely told that they had watched pornographic content or were involved in criminal activities and would face legal action unless they paid money. In another alleged fraud method, the gang reportedly lured people by promising benefits under the Pradhan Mantri Awas Yojana and other government schemes before demanding payments on various pretexts.
Police further alleged that the gang operated in two coordinated teams. One team made threatening calls to victims, while the second team played police sirens and other background sounds during the calls to create the impression that the conversation was taking place from an actual police control room, thereby increasing the credibility of the deception.
According to investigators, the gang also adopted unusual measures to avoid police action. Authorities said roads leading to the villages had allegedly been dug up, making it difficult for police vehicles to reach the area quickly and giving suspects additional time to escape during raids.
Police stated that the accused are between 18 and 30 years of age. Preliminary investigation indicates that most of them have educational qualifications ranging from primary school to higher secondary level, while only a few are graduates. Authorities are examining whether the gang received technical assistance or training from other organised cybercrime networks.
During the operation, police seized 29 mobile phones, three cars and multiple digital devices believed to have been used in the alleged offences. Investigators estimate that the gang may have cheated around 200 victims over the past two to three years, causing losses exceeding ₹2 crore. Police also said that approximately 189 complaints linked to the accused have been found on the National Cyber Crime Reporting Portal (NCRP), originating from Delhi, Kerala, Tamil Nadu, Madhya Pradesh, Rajasthan, Maharashtra and Uttarakhand.
Renowned cybercrime expert and former IPS officer Prof. Triveni Singh said cybercriminals increasingly rely on fear-based social engineering by impersonating law enforcement agencies and creating a false sense of urgency to pressure victims into making immediate payments. He advised the public never to transfer money solely on the basis of threatening phone calls and to independently verify any such claims through the concerned police authority or official government channels.
Police said the investigation is continuing to identify additional members of the network, analyse digital evidence, trace financial transactions and locate the remaining absconding suspects. Further arrests and legal action are expected based on the evidence collected during the investigation. All allegations remain subject to investigation and judicial proceedings.
