Punjab’s Barnala Cyber Crime Branch has smashed an inter-state cyber fraud gang, arresting seven sharp operators who duped victims of crores through fake franchises, cheap steel sales, animal feed, online loans, clothes-cement deals, and hotel bookings. The bust followed a ₹58 lakh franchise swindle complaint.
DSP Satbir Singh Bains revealed Sanjeev Bansal’s FIR triggered the probe. Victim lured with company franchises; gang pocketed cash promising deals that never materialized.
Final Call: FCRF Opens Last Registration Window for GRC and DPO Certifications
Gang’s Vast Multi-State Web
Arrested ages 24-30, gang spanned Punjab, Tamil Nadu, West Bengal, Bihar, Maharashtra, Odisha, Telangana, Haryana, Karnataka, Andhra Pradesh, Chhattisgarh, Madhya Pradesh, Kerala.
Earlier Bihar duo Ashok Kumar (Danapur Khagol, Patna), Shyam Sundar Kumar (Yaman Ganj, Jehanabad) nabbed. Their tips led to five Karnataka operators brought on production warrants.
6 FIRs, 29 complaints already against them—crores defrauded.
How Franchise Trap Worked
Posed as legit agents, promised franchises for big brands. Collected fees for “registration, setup, licenses.” Delivered nothing—ghosted victims.
Expanded to “discount steel,” “premium fodder,” “quick loans,” “bulk clothes/cement,” “hotel deals”—all UPI/bank traps.
Police Strike: ₹43 Lakh Action
Barnala team froze ₹23 lakh suspect accounts, refunded ₹20 lakh to Sanjeev Bansal. Devices, docs seized; interrogations ongoing.
DSP: “Multi-state hunt dismantled core; more revelations expected.”
FCRF: Franchise Scams Surge 200%
Future Crime Research Foundation warns franchise frauds exploding—fake agents exploit entrepreneur dreams.
Red flags: Unreal discounts, upfront fees sans contracts, pressure closes, vague company proofs.
Verify via MCA portal, ROC filings, GST checks.
Public Alert: Spot and Report
- Unknown “agents” pushing franchises/hotels/loans?
- UPI demands sans docs?
- “Limited time” pressure?
Dial 1930 instantly, cybercrime.gov.in FIR.
Punjab Police: Early alerts = 70% recovery chance.
Probe widens—inter-state raids likely. Stay vigilant.
