In a significant crackdown on cybercrime, police have busted an organized gang that allegedly opened bank accounts using the lure of government schemes and used them as mule accounts for large-scale cyber fraud. Seven accused have been arrested and sent to jail in the case. The gang operated across multiple districts of Uttar Pradesh, including Gorakhpur, Unnao, Chitrakoot, and Deoria.
According to police officials, the network was being operated through social media platforms such as Instagram and Telegram. The accused targeted unemployed youths by promising benefits under government welfare schemes. Once the victims were convinced, the gang facilitated the opening of bank accounts in their names and subsequently took control of key banking instruments such as passbooks, ATM cards, and cheque books.These accounts were then allegedly used as mule accounts to transfer and withdraw money obtained through cyber fraud activities.
Victim Complaint Triggers Swift Police Action
Deputy Superintendent of Police (City) Nimish Patil stated that the case was registered on March 15 following a complaint by a victim. The complainant alleged that his son was lured with the promise of government benefits and was tricked into opening a bank account. Later, all banking documents were taken away, and no benefits were ever provided. Investigation revealed that the same account was being used to route cyber fraud proceeds.
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Acting swiftly on the complaint, police arrested seven individuals involved in the racket. The arrested accused have been identified as Anuj Vishwakarma alias Shubham Vishwakarma (Gorakhnath, Gorakhpur), Omkar Agrahari (Mirzapur, Rajghat), Rituraj Yadav (Chitrakoot), Rahul Singh (Gagha), Divyanshu Singh alias Sahil Singh (Deoria), Aditya Chaudhary alias Saurabh (Gorakhnath), and Ravi Singh alias Ramdas (Unnao, currently residing in Lucknow).
Organized Roles in Mule Account Racket
During interrogation, the accused reportedly confessed that Rituraj Yadav and Omkar Agrahari were responsible for identifying and trapping individuals. They convinced victims to open bank accounts and ensured complete control over them. The account details were then shared with Ramdas and another associate known as John Baba, who allegedly managed the transfer and withdrawal of fraudulent funds through multiple accounts.
Police further revealed that Ravi Singh alias Ramdas already has several cases registered against him related to cheating and criminal intimidation. The gang used Telegram for internal coordination and systematically moved illicit funds through digital transactions.
Ongoing Probe into Wider Cyber Network
Authorities have stated that the investigation is ongoing to trace the full extent of the money routed through these mule accounts. Police suspect that more individuals may be involved in the wider network.
Investigating agencies believe that the gang functioned in a highly organized manner, with clearly defined roles ranging from account opening to fund withdrawal. A detailed probe into digital footprints and banking records is currently underway.
The exposure of the racket has once again highlighted the growing misuse of social engineering tactics in cybercrime, where vulnerable unemployed youths are targeted with false promises and their bank accounts are exploited for illegal financial transactions.
Police have urged the public to remain cautious and not share banking documents or account access with unknown individuals under the pretext of government schemes or financial assistance.
