Uttar Pradesh Police have busted an organised cyber fraud racket in Lakhimpur Kheri, arresting eight alleged cyber criminals accused of misusing victims’ biometric data to obtain fraudulent SIM cards and operate bank accounts used for cybercrime. According to investigators, the accused lured unsuspecting people by offering SIM porting services, collected their biometric information, and allegedly used it to activate SIM cards and banking facilities in their names. These accounts were then used to receive and transfer proceeds of cyber fraud committed across the country. During the operation, police seized 121 SIM cards, nine Android mobile phones, two fingerprint scanners, cash, and records allegedly linked to cybercrime. All eight accused have been produced before a court and remanded to judicial custody, while the wider network remains under investigation.
Police said the operation was conducted as part of an ongoing campaign against cybercrime under the directions of the district’s Senior Superintendent of Police. The Cyber Police Station received intelligence that a group of individuals was operating an illegal network involving SIM cards and bank accounts from the Amritaganj Canal Bridge passenger shelter in the Kheri police station area. Acting on the information, a police team conducted a raid at the location and allegedly caught all eight suspects in possession of incriminating material. A criminal case has been registered against them under the relevant provisions of law.
The arrested individuals have been identified as Ankit, Vikas, Saroj Kumar, Chandra Pratap, Pappu, Anand, Rinku, and Dilip Yadav. According to police, the raid resulted in the recovery of 121 SIM cards, nine Android smartphones, two fingerprint scanners, cash, and notebooks allegedly containing records of cyber fraud-related transactions. The seized electronic devices and documents have been sent for forensic examination to analyse the group’s digital communications, financial activities, and links with other cybercrime networks.
Preliminary investigation indicates that the accused allegedly targeted economically vulnerable and unsuspecting individuals by offering assistance with SIM porting and other mobile-related services. After obtaining the victims’ biometric details, they allegedly misused the information to activate SIM cards in the victims’ names. Investigators stated that these SIM cards were subsequently used to create UPI IDs, operate bank accounts, and facilitate financial transactions linked to cyber fraud.
According to the police, bank accounts operated through this method were allegedly used to receive proceeds of cyber fraud committed in different parts of the country. The accused are suspected of retaining a commission before transferring the remaining funds to other cybercriminals. Investigators are now analysing banking records, UPI transactions, mobile data, and call detail records to determine the geographical reach of the network and identify its links with other organised cybercrime groups. Authorities are also examining the total volume of transactions routed through the suspected accounts.
Cybercrime experts note that criminals are increasingly exploiting digital identities and biometric credentials instead of directly targeting bank accounts. Fraudulently obtained SIM cards and so-called mule bank accounts are frequently used to conceal the movement of illegally obtained funds and complicate financial investigations. Officials have advised citizens to provide biometric information only at authorised service centres and to exercise caution while responding to requests related to SIM porting, e-KYC verification, or account activation.
Police said the investigation is ongoing and that the seized digital devices, banking records, and electronic evidence are undergoing detailed forensic analysis. Investigators are working to identify additional individuals, bank accounts, and cybercrime syndicates linked to the network. Authorities stated that further arrests and legal action will follow if more evidence emerges during the investigation. Citizens have also been urged to remain vigilant against fraudulent SIM-related offers and to report any suspicious cyber activity immediately through the National Cyber Helpline (1930) or the nearest police station.
