Police in Uttar Pradesh’s Kanpur have busted a major organised cyber fraud network and arrested eight individuals allegedly involved in large-scale online gaming scams. The operation, conducted jointly by cyber crime units and local police teams, has exposed a structured racket that reportedly lured victims with promises of quick and high returns through banned gaming applications.
Investigators said the syndicate was operating through fake identities, using bank accounts opened with forged documents and multiple SIM cards to route illicit transactions. The accused allegedly promoted restricted gaming apps such as Lotus365, Reddy Book, Kartikey and Dubai EXH, convincing users to invest money with the promise of rapid profits. Initially, small returns were shown to build trust, but withdrawal requests were later blocked and communication was gradually cut off.
FCRF Returns With CDPO, Its Premier Data Protection Certification for Privacy Professionals
Seizures Reveal Vast Inter-State Network
During coordinated raids at multiple locations, police recovered 26 mobile phones, two laptops, 54 ATM cards, 24 bank passbooks, one cheque book and 30 SIM cards. Officials said these materials were linked to bank accounts spread across several Indian states including Telangana, Punjab, Madhya Pradesh, Tamil Nadu and Uttar Pradesh, indicating a wide inter-state operational network.
Scale of Fraud and Ongoing Probe
Preliminary findings suggest suspicious financial transactions of nearly ₹50 lakh over the past three months alone. Authorities estimate that the total amount routed through the network may exceed ₹1 crore. Efforts are currently underway to freeze the identified accounts and trace the full money trail, including possible beneficiaries and hidden layers of the operation.
The arrested individuals have been identified as Satyam Tiwari, Anmol Vishwakarma, Nitin Gupta, Abhishek Verma, Hitesh Nigam, Snehil Bajaj, Sultan Ahmad and Naushad. According to investigators, the accused played specific roles in managing bank accounts, SIM cards and digital wallets used to transfer, layer and conceal illicit funds.
A case has been registered under relevant provisions of the Bharatiya Nyaya Sanhita and the Information Technology Act. Authorities are now tracking absconding members of the network and mapping the broader financial ecosystem linked to the scam. Officials also suspect that the network may have international connections, given the structured and multi-layered nature of the transactions.
Expert Warnings on Rising Cyber Threats
Cyber security expert and former IPS officer Professor Triveni Singh warned that such frauds are becoming increasingly sophisticated and psychologically manipulative. He stated, “These cyber fraud networks exploit human psychology, especially the desire for quick returns. They build trust by showing small profits initially and then trap victims into larger investments. The real danger is that users often realise the fraud only after their money has completely disappeared.”
Experts further noted that tightening regulations around SIM issuance, strengthening digital wallet verification, and improving real-time transaction monitoring systems are essential to curb such crimes effectively. They also emphasised that fragmented oversight across platforms allows fraud networks to exploit loopholes in the financial ecosystem.
Officials confirmed that the investigation is ongoing and further arrests are likely in the coming days as more links in the network are uncovered. The operation has revealed that the racket was not confined to a single location but functioned as a coordinated network operating across multiple states and potentially beyond national borders.
Cybercrime patterns in such cases typically involve layering of funds through multiple mule accounts, making it extremely difficult for investigators to trace the original source of the money. Victims are initially shown small gains to establish credibility before being pushed into higher investments, after which withdrawals are blocked and all contact is severed.
Authorities have urged citizens to exercise caution while using online gaming or investment platforms, especially those promising unusually high returns. They advised users to verify app authenticity before investing, avoid sharing sensitive banking information, and immediately report suspicious activity to prevent financial losses.
