Baghpat: In a shocking case highlighting the misuse of digital platforms, police in Uttar Pradesh’s Baghpat have busted an interstate cyber fraud gang allegedly run by students who had moved to cities for higher education. Eight members of the gang were arrested from the Chamrawal road area on Saturday morning. The accused are believed to have cheated victims of more than ₹1 crore by posing as soft drink suppliers and luring them through fake online advertisements.
Cheap Soft Drink Deals Turned Into a Crore-Cutting Cyber Trap
According to investigators, the gang used the popular business listing platform Just Dial to post fraudulent advertisements offering a bulk supply of soft drinks at unusually low prices. When traders or customers contacted the numbers listed, the accused would present themselves as legitimate suppliers and build trust through convincing communication. Once the deal was finalized, they would demand advance payments and disappear after receiving the money, switching off their phones and cutting all contact.
₹2.15 Lakh Complaint Opened the Door to a Bigger Scam
The case came to light after a complaint was filed by a trader, Sandeep Agarwal, a resident of Bali village. In his complaint to the cyber police, he stated that he had come across an advertisement offering soft drinks at a discounted rate. After contacting the number, he was assured of a large supply at prices lower than the market rate. Trusting the offer, he placed an order and transferred ₹2.15 lakh as an advance payment. However, neither the consignment nor the money was delivered. Soon after, the contact numbers became unreachable.
During the investigation, police discovered that this was not an isolated incident but part of a larger organized fraud network. Digital tracking and complaint records revealed that around 20 similar complaints had been registered against the group across multiple states, including Uttar Pradesh, Delhi, Haryana, and Rajasthan. Authorities estimate that the gang collectively defrauded victims of over ₹1 crore in the past year.
From Classrooms to Crime: an Interstate Fraud Network
The arrested accused have been identified as Ashwani (alleged mastermind), Aditya Singh alias Lucky, Utkarsh Pratap Singh, Ankur Singh, Akash Singh, Ayush Pal, Sumit, and another associate. Police sources indicate that most of them are students pursuing courses such as BBA, MBA, BCA, and BSc in Noida. They reportedly met during their studies and later formed the gang to carry out fraudulent activities.
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Phones, Laptops, & SIM Cards Reveal a Full-Blown Organized Setup
A search operation led to the recovery of a pistol, a country-made firearm, two cartridges, a car, 11 mobile phones, four laptops, 24 SIM cards, a tablet, and two ATM cards. Officials stated that these devices were used to coordinate the fraud, create fake identities, and communicate with victims while masking their real locations. The large number of SIM cards suggests frequent switching of identities to avoid detection.
During interrogation, the accused reportedly admitted that they had been running the operation for nearly a year. They used the money obtained through fraud to fund their lifestyles, including expensive gadgets, vehicles, and personal expenses. Investigators also found evidence indicating that a significant portion of the money was spent on luxury items and gifting. In one instance, a bill for a gold chain was recovered, which an accused admitted he had purchased as a gift for his girlfriend.
Authorities believe that more members of the gang are still absconding, and efforts are underway to trace and arrest them. Officials also suspect that several victims may not have reported the fraud, meaning the total amount cheated could be significantly higher.
The arrested individuals have been produced before a court, and further legal proceedings are underway. Police teams are now working to uncover the full extent of the network, including financial trails and possible links to other cybercrime groups.
This case once again highlights how digital platforms can be exploited for organized fraud and raises concerns about the growing involvement of educated youth in cybercrime. It also underscores the need for greater vigilance among users while engaging in online transactions, especially when dealing with unknown vendors offering deals that appear too good to be true.
