Prayagraj: The Cyber Crime Police have intensified their crackdown on an organized racket accused of illegally exploiting the Unique Identification Authority of India (UIDAI) Aadhaar ecosystem through cloning and bypass techniques to create and update Aadhaar records fraudulently. Investigators have arrested another accused in the case as the probe continues to uncover a network operating across several districts of Uttar Pradesh.
The latest arrest was made on Sunday when Cyber Crime Police apprehended Sanjule Gupta (30), a resident of Jalim Ganj village in Kunda, Pratapgarh district. Two mobile phones were recovered from his possession and have been sent for digital forensic examination. Investigators are analysing the seized devices to identify other members of the syndicate, trace financial transactions, and establish links with agents and facilitators allegedly involved in the operation.
According to investigators, Gupta had been associated for several years with a bank branch in Lal Gopalganj. During questioning, police allegedly discovered that several Aadhaar operator IDs had become inactive after contractual arrangements between operators and banks expired. The accused is suspected of working with the syndicate to reactivate these inactive operator IDs in exchange for ₹5,000 per operator ID per session.
The investigation further suggests that the network was not limited to reactivating inactive operator credentials. Police allege that the group also charged up to ₹250 for every Aadhaar enrolment or update processed through the illegally activated IDs. Investigators are examining how the Aadhaar ecosystem was allegedly bypassed, the technical methods used, and whether unauthorized access enabled fraudulent identity-related services.
Preliminary findings indicate that the racket extended beyond Prayagraj and was active in Kanpur, Fatehpur, Ayodhya, Pratapgarh, and Chitrakoot. Police believe the syndicate operated through a network of local agents and intermediaries spread across these districts. Separate Cyber Crime Police teams have been dispatched to Fatehpur, Ayodhya, Pratapgarh, and Chitrakoot to identify suspects, collect evidence, and verify the involvement of additional operators and collaborators.
Officials said that three people, including the alleged kingpin of the network, had already been arrested before Gupta’s apprehension. With the latest arrest, investigators are now focusing on determining the full scale of the operation, including the number of Aadhaar records allegedly created or updated through the fraudulent network, the total amount of money collected, and the financial trail associated with the racket.
Renowned cybercrime expert and former IPS officer Prof. Triveni Singh said that any misuse of India’s Aadhaar ecosystem poses serious risks to both national security and the privacy of citizens’ personal data. He advised people to obtain Aadhaar-related services only through authorised centres and to immediately report any individual demanding charges beyond the prescribed fees or offering expedited services through unofficial channels to the concerned authorities or the Cyber Crime Police.
Investigators are now conducting forensic analysis of the seized mobile phones, digital devices, electronic records, and banking transactions to uncover the complete structure of the syndicate. Police believe further arrests are likely as the investigation progresses and additional agents, facilitators, and beneficiaries linked to the multi-district network are identified.
About the author — Suvedita Nath is a science student with a growing interest in cybercrime and digital safety. She writes on online activity, cyber threats, and technology-driven risks. Her work focuses on clarity, accuracy, and public awareness.
