Kanpur: The Barra police in Uttar Pradesh’s Kanpur have arrested a bank relationship manager in connection with an alleged ₹250 crore cyber fraud case. The accused has been identified as Mukesh Jha, a resident of Mehrban Singh Ka Purwa. He was working as a relationship manager at Utkarsh Small Finance Bank in Gumti No. 5. According to police, Jha allegedly provided banking support to the Sultan Mirza gang and helped route proceeds from cyber fraud through multiple bank accounts.
According to the investigation, Jha allegedly obtained Aadhaar and PAN details of members of the public and used their identities to open bank accounts in the names of shell firms at his own branch. The accounts were allegedly used to receive money linked to cyber fraud before transferring it to other accounts. Investigators suspect that the arrangement was used to conceal the original source of the money and make it difficult to trace the final beneficiaries.
Accounts Opened in the Names of Shell Firms
The investigation has identified firms such as Vimlesh General Store, Arjun Namkeen Bhandar and Raj Contractors. Police allege that bank accounts were opened in the names of these firms and subsequently used for transactions involving proceeds of cyber fraud. The accused bank manager allegedly assisted in opening and facilitating banking operations related to these accounts.
According to police, Jha allegedly received a 10% commission from Sultan Mirza in return for facilitating the transactions. Investigators are now examining the bank accounts through which the alleged fraud proceeds were transferred. They are also determining how many identity documents were obtained by the accused and how many accounts were opened using them.
Case Registered Four Months Ago
A case was registered at Barra police station around four months ago against Bihar resident Sultan Mirza and seven to eight members of his alleged gang. As the investigation progressed, police began making arrests after identifying the roles of people allegedly linked to the network. According to police, five people have so far been arrested in the case, including two bank employees and Rajveer, who is described as a close associate of Sultan Mirza.
Following Jha’s arrest, police are examining his banking records, mobile phone, documents and other financial activities. Investigators are trying to establish which accounts received the alleged fraud proceeds and where the money was subsequently transferred. His assets are also being examined. If properties are found to have been acquired through illegal proceeds, police may initiate action to seize or attach them in accordance with law.
Search for Sultan Mirza Continues
Police are continuing efforts to trace alleged gang leader Sultan Mirza. According to investigators, his last known location was reportedly identified at a dance bar in Dubai. Authorities are pursuing the necessary channels and legal procedures to facilitate his arrest.
Investigators are mapping the network’s bank accounts and financial transactions to establish the flow of money. According to police, identifying individuals who allegedly facilitated the banking channels could help uncover the structure and wider reach of the alleged ₹250 crore cyber fraud network. The investigation is also focused on tracing other members through accounts opened using allegedly fraudulent identity documents and examining the transactions conducted through them.
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.
