Kanpur: Police in Uttar Pradesh’s Kanpur have uncovered a major cyber-enabled financial crime network allegedly involved in laundering more than ₹250 crore in proceeds of cyber fraud. The operation led to the arrest of Rajveer, a wanted accused carrying a ₹50,000 reward, along with his associate Shivam Sinha. Investigators believe the group operated across nine states between 2021 and 2026, using mule bank accounts, shell businesses and hawala channels to move money obtained through cyber fraud. The alleged mastermind, Sultan Mirza, also known as Abhay Shukla, Jain Sena and Valentine, a resident of Sasaram in Bihar, remains absconding. Police suspect he may be hiding in Nepal or Dubai.
According to investigators, Rajveer previously worked in the banking sector before leaving his job and opening a cyber café in Kanpur’s Ratanlal Nagar area. It was there, police allege, that he came into contact with Sultan Mirza and Shivam Sinha. Investigators believe the trio subsequently built an organised network to facilitate cybercrime-related financial transactions. Police claim that Sultan Mirza offered Rajveer monthly payments in exchange for arranging mule bank accounts in the names of unsuspecting individuals, enabling the network to expand rapidly.
Police allege that Rajveer, with the assistance of certain bank officials, arranged 25 to 30 mule accounts. The accused are also suspected of creating shell firms using MSME registrations and other documentation to open additional bank accounts in the names of different individuals. These accounts were allegedly used to receive money generated through cyber fraud before transferring it through multiple layers of accounts and channels, making it difficult for investigators to trace the original source of the funds.
Investigating agencies say the network is linked to approximately 1,600 complaints registered across the country. Preliminary findings indicate suspicious financial transactions worth nearly ₹250 crore. Rajveer had earlier been declared wanted in connection with an alleged ₹100 crore illegal transaction case. Police are now questioning the arrested accused to identify the full structure of the network, its associates and the ultimate beneficiaries of the funds.
The investigation has also revealed that the accused allegedly accumulated substantial wealth. Police say Shivam Sinha owns multiple luxury vehicles, an expensive guest house and other assets. Rajveer is suspected of owning valuable land in Kanpur and Bihar, while authorities are also examining reports of multi-crore properties linked to the absconding Sultan Mirza. Investigators are further scrutinising the trio’s foreign travel history and possible international contacts.
Police also allege that Rajveer opened mule bank accounts in the names of his relatives. According to investigators, accounts belonging to his sister, brother-in-law and other acquaintances were allegedly used to receive cyber fraud proceeds. Authorities also claim that the bank account of a 70-year-old man was used for similar transactions. Shivam is accused of withdrawing cash from mule accounts and transporting it to designated locations while assisting in the movement of fraud proceeds.
Investigators believe the group was not limited to handling cyber fraud proceeds but was also allegedly involved in hawala transactions and using gold loans to convert illicit funds into seemingly legitimate assets. Police are examining bank records, mobile phones, digital devices, financial documents and cross-border financial transactions to identify additional suspects and trace the money trail. Authorities are also coordinating with agencies in multiple states to locate the absconding mastermind and have initiated steps to revoke his passport.
According to renowned cybercrime expert and former IPS officer Prof. Triveni Singh, mule bank accounts have become one of the most critical tools used by organised cybercrime syndicates. Fraudsters often exploit the identities of ordinary citizens, relatives and shell companies to open accounts through which stolen money is rapidly layered and transferred, making investigations significantly more complex. He advised banks, financial institutions and the public to remain vigilant, monitor suspicious banking activity and immediately report any doubtful transactions to the appropriate authorities.
