Police in Kanpur have frozen 14 corporate bank accounts and seized ₹1.10 crore in a sweeping crackdown on fraudulent online gaming apps. The action comes on the heels of earlier operations that led to 38 accounts being frozen and 15 people arrested. Investigators say the racket extends across multiple states, with networks traced to Bengal, Bihar, Madhya Pradesh, Delhi, Uttarakhand, Maharashtra, and Gujarat.
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The ‘Mastermind’ and Dubai Connection
At the center of the investigation is Vinay Kumar, a Gonda resident who allegedly ran the fraud under the alias “Mastermind.” Police say Kumar coordinated a network that funneled money through layered transfers to conceal its origins. His arrest has opened a trail leading to suspected handlers in Dubai, raising concerns of international coordination in the scam.
Authorities noted that the fraudsters deliberately withdrew partial sums after each transaction to avoid raising suspicion. Still, investigators managed to intercept and freeze several accounts before more funds could be siphoned abroad.
Sophisticated Tactics, Widespread Victims
Police say the group lured unsuspecting users with promises of quick rewards on gaming apps, only to manipulate digital transactions for profit. The syndicate allegedly used multiple platforms and corporate bank accounts to disguise its operations. “The network is highly organized, using advanced methods to stay under the radar,” an officer familiar with the probe said.
Former IPS officer and cybercrime expert Professor Triveni Singh warned that such schemes reveal broader vulnerabilities in India’s financial ecosystem. “Fraudsters exploit digital platforms where oversight is still evolving. Without stronger safeguards, gaming apps and fintech services will continue to be soft targets,” he cautioned.
Investigation Continues
Officials have deployed multiple teams to pursue remaining suspects and track financial flows. Leads are being followed on the Dubai connection, with investigators vowing to dismantle the entire network. The crackdown, police say, is part of a larger strategy to disrupt organized cybercrime that preys on India’s growing base of online users.