Bareilly: The investigation into a cyber fraud gang arrested from the Cantonment police station area has revealed increasingly alarming details.
Police sources confirm that the gang carried out large-scale financial fraud using the so-called “digital arrest” scam, cheating victims of crores of rupees by impersonating law enforcement officials.
Preliminary findings suggest that the gang used fear-based tactics, calling victims and falsely claiming they were under “digital arrest” in serious criminal cases. Under pressure and psychological intimidation, victims were coerced into transferring large sums of money into multiple accounts controlled by the gang.
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Money Trail Under Probe
According to investigators, funds were routed through bank accounts linked to Dr. Sachendra Kumar’s trust, “SR Sons and Group.” From there, the money was transferred into at least 22 different bank accounts operating across states including Kerala, creating a complex layering system to hide the origin of funds.
The gang is reportedly led by a man identified as Samit, a resident of Nawabganj, along with his nephew Nirmal. Both are currently absconding. Police teams are conducting continuous raids to trace them, and intelligence inputs suggest that the duo may be hiding in Lucknow, prompting intensified search operations in the region.
Arrests and Complaints
So far, police have arrested several individuals linked to the network, including Shakib Ali (Faridpur, Mohalla Buxaria), Ashish Singh (Karghaina, Jagtinagar), Rajkumar (Bhmoora village), Dr. Sachendra Kumar (Sidhauli, Akbarpur, Ambedkar Nagar), and Bablu alias Madho Ram (Raipur Majre Aganpur, Barabanki). All have been sent to judicial custody.
Investigators have also uncovered that 15 bank accounts linked to this cyber fraud network are associated with 524 complaints registered from across the country. Most of these complaints involve digital arrest threats, impersonation of police officials, and extortion through intimidation calls.
Officials said the gang systematically used fake identities over phone and video calls, posing as law enforcement officers or investigating agencies. Victims were threatened with immediate arrest or legal action unless they transferred money instantly to “settle” fabricated cases.
Wider Network Suspected
Police sources added that the gang operated in a highly organized structure, using multiple accounts and layering transactions across different states to avoid detection. The funds were quickly transferred from one account to another, making it difficult for investigators to trace the original source.
Authorities believe that the network is not limited to Uttar Pradesh alone and may have interstate connections. Similar complaints have been reported from several states, suggesting a wider cybercrime syndicate operating across India.
Officials stated that interrogation of the arrested accused is expected to reveal further leads, including additional associates and financial handlers involved in the scam. Efforts are also underway to freeze more suspicious accounts linked to the network.
Cybercrime experts say the case highlights the growing misuse of psychological manipulation in online frauds, where fear and authority impersonation are used as tools to extort money. The “digital arrest” scam, in particular, has emerged as one of the most dangerous cyber fraud patterns in recent times.
At present, cyber police and special investigation teams are analyzing transaction records, call data, and digital footprints to map the full extent of the network. Authorities remain confident that further arrests will follow as the investigation progresses.
About the author – Rehan Khan is a law student and legal journalist with a keen interest in cybercrime, digital fraud, and emerging technology laws. He writes on the intersection of law, cybersecurity, and online safety, focusing on developments that impact individuals and institutions in India.
