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In a startling revelation, the Kanpur Crime Branch has exposed a high-profile cyber fraud involving two educated sportsmen — Delhi-based cricketer Vivek Sharma and Punjab’s wrestler Anuj Tomar. The duo allegedly cheated 35 victims across India, siphoning off over ₹60 lakh under the guise of increasing credit card limits.
The police have recovered four luxury cars, laptops, mobile phones, an expensive cricket kit, bats, and electronic gadgets from their possession. Both have been remanded to 14 days of judicial custody following their court appearance.
Educated, Tech-Savvy — Yet Turned to Crime
Vivek Sharma holds a B.Tech degree, while Anuj Tomar is an MBA graduate. Before the COVID-19 pandemic, both were employed with a multinational company in Singapore. However, job losses during the pandemic pushed them into financial distress — and eventually, cybercrime.
According to DCP (Crime) Atul Kumar Srivastava, the duo posed as bank officials or credit card representatives, contacting unsuspecting victims with offers to enhance their credit card limits. Using personal information collected via social media and online databases, they duped people into sharing OTPs or clicking phishing links, enabling them to drain funds from their bank accounts.
Cricket Ambitions and a Lavish Lifestyle Funded by Fraud
Investigations revealed that Vivek Sharma used the proceeds of fraud to fund his cricket ambitions, spending ₹1.23 lakh on a bat and other high-end training gear as he prepared for the next IPL season.
Anuj Tomar, on the other hand, maintained a ₹30,000-a-month luxury flat in Mohali, equipped with a premium music system, big-screen TV, and high-end appliances.
“Both accused were driven by a desire for a glamorous lifestyle and public image,” a senior police officer remarked. Interestingly, the four cars found in Vivek Sharma’s name were purchased with financial assistance from Anuj Tomar.
A Three-Year Operation: Assets Worth Lakhs Built Through Fraud
Preliminary investigations indicate that the duo had been active since 2022, systematically defrauding people through digital means and accumulating assets worth several lakhs.
Police have also traced interstate money transfers linked to their accounts, suggesting a wider network.
Authorities are currently searching for a third accomplice, believed to be the mastermind behind the operation. His arrest is expected to reveal additional financial trails and digital links.
An Organized Cybercrime Network
According to Cyber Cell in-charge Shiv Kumar Sharma, the accused used the stolen money to purchase expensive items online, deliberately ordering products meant for Punjab through Delhi-based bookings to evade detection.
Goods were later transported to Mohali or Chandigarh via private vehicles or loaders. They often used friends’ or relatives’ addresses for delivery to mislead investigators.
From Pandemic Job Loss to Crime
DCP Srivastava explained that both men had met during their tenure in Singapore. After losing their jobs during the pandemic, Anuj secured employment in the NCR, while Vivek decided to pursue professional cricket.
However, mounting debts and financial strain led them astray. A tenant at Vivek’s residence allegedly introduced them to online fraud techniques, marking the beginning of their cybercrime journey.
Experts Warn: Educated Youth Turning to Digital Crime
Cybercrime experts believe this case highlights a disturbing new trend — educated, tech-savvy youth exploiting their digital skills for financial gain.
“The face of cybercrime is changing. Today’s fraudsters are not uneducated hackers but professionals with degrees and international exposure,” said one analyst.
Investigation Expands to Other States
Following the arrests, Chandigarh and Mohali Police have launched parallel investigations in coordination with cybercrime units.
Police are also seeking assistance from digital forensic specialists and banking experts to trace remaining transactions and uncover the full scope of the network.
The Kanpur cyber fraud case serves as a cautionary tale for both law enforcement and society —
When talent and technology fall prey to greed and vanity, the line between success and criminality blurs quickly.
For Vivek Sharma and Anuj Tomar, the journey from the cricket pitch and wrestling mat to prison bars is a stark reminder of how ambition, when misdirected, can destroy potential.
