Kanpur (Uttar Pradesh): Police in Uttar Pradesh have arrested six persons for allegedly operating an organised financial network linked to cyber fraud, in which bank accounts were allegedly procured from individuals for ₹15,000 to ₹20,000 and used to receive proceeds of cyber scams from across the country. Investigators claim that nearly ₹1.50 crore in suspicious funds was routed through these accounts. The alleged mastermind, a graduation student, remains absconding.
According to police, the investigation began after a graduation student from Vishnupuri reported that his friend’s bank account had been frozen after approximately ₹14 lakh in suspected fraud proceeds was credited to it. The matter came to light after Kerala Police served a notice in connection with a cyber fraud case linked to the account, prompting local authorities to investigate the larger network.
During the investigation, the Nawabganj Police and the Cyber Cell arrested Aditya Bajpai, Atul Sinha, Viraj Singh, Krishna, Yash Pratap Singh and Shivansh Gupta. Police alleged that the accused were arranging bank accounts at the direction of the absconding suspect, Kshitij Dwivedi, who is believed to have operated the entire syndicate.
Preliminary findings suggest that the bank accounts were allegedly used to receive proceeds generated through online gaming, betting, and investment-related cyber frauds. According to investigators, nearly 35 bank accounts linked to the accused have more than 50 complaints registered against them on the National Cyber Crime Reporting Portal (NCRP).
Police further alleged that money received from cyber fraud victims was consolidated into a central account before being converted into USDT (Tether) using cryptocurrency platforms such as Binance, Bybit, Bitget, MetaMask, and Trust Wallet. Investigators believe the digital assets were subsequently transferred overseas through a contact based in Delhi. Authorities are examining the alleged international links and foreign connections associated with the financial network.
Investigators also alleged that members of the syndicate personally escorted account holders to banks to withdraw cash through cheques. Police said all ATM cards were reportedly assigned the same PIN to simplify operations. If an account was frozen, the associated ATM cards and related materials were allegedly destroyed to avoid detection.
During the operation, police recovered five Android mobile phones, 25 ATM cards, three cheque books, ₹58,800 in cash, one car, and one motorcycle. The seized digital devices and banking documents have been sent for forensic examination to trace the movement of funds and identify other individuals linked to the alleged operation.
Renowned cyber crime expert and former IPS officer Prof. Triveni Singh said cyber criminals increasingly rely on mule bank accounts and cryptocurrency to conceal the origin and destination of illicit funds instead of carrying out fraud directly. He advised citizens never to share their bank accounts, ATM cards, cheque books, or KYC documents in exchange for commissions, warning that account holders may also come under legal scrutiny in such cases.
Police said the investigation is ongoing. Efforts are underway to trace the absconding accused while examining bank accounts, cryptocurrency transactions, digital evidence, and possible interstate and international financial links. Authorities said further arrests and legal action may follow if additional evidence emerges during the investigation.
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.
