The hunt for the absconding alleged kingpin of the high-profile “Mini Jamtara” cyber fraud case has intensified after police announced a reward of ₹25,000 for information leading to the arrest of Vineet Kumar Vishisht. As part of the ongoing manhunt, the Crime Branch has dispatched an eight-member team to West Bengal following intelligence suggesting that the accused or his associates may have established operational links in the state.
According to investigators, Vineet Kumar Vishisht is believed to be a key figure in the alleged international cyber fraud syndicate that was operating from a call centre in Lucknow’s Summit Building. Police allege that the network worked in coordination with overseas cybercrime groups, particularly those targeting victims in the United States through sophisticated online financial scams. The accused has remained absconding since the major police raid on July 1, during which 119 people were arrested from the premises.
Preliminary investigations indicate that foreign cybercriminal groups allegedly supplied databases containing the personal and financial information of US citizens to the Lucknow-based operation. Investigators suspect that operators working from the call centre then impersonated customer support executives, technical assistance personnel and other service representatives to deceive victims into sharing sensitive information or transferring money. Authorities are also examining how the data was obtained, transmitted and allegedly used to facilitate cross-border financial fraud.
Police sources said recent intelligence inputs pointed to possible hideouts and support networks linked to the accused in West Bengal. Based on these leads, the Crime Branch has launched coordinated operations with local police to verify the information, identify logistical support systems and trace the absconding suspect. Investigators are also attempting to identify individuals who may have knowingly assisted the alleged syndicate during or after the crackdown.
The investigation has expanded to include forensic examination of digital evidence, banking transactions, travel records, communication logs and other electronic data. Officials believe Vineet allegedly played a central role in coordinating the operation, arranging infrastructure for the illegal call centre and maintaining communication with foreign handlers who allegedly supplied victim databases used in the fraudulent schemes. Authorities are also trying to establish the complete financial trail and identify additional domestic and international collaborators.
Renowned cybercrime expert and former IPS officer Prof. Triveni Singh said organised international cybercrime syndicates increasingly rely on social engineering, fake technical support, bogus customer care services and stolen personal data to target unsuspecting victims. He advised people never to disclose banking credentials, OTPs, passwords or remote device access to unknown callers claiming to represent banks, technology companies or government agencies. He also stressed that any suspicious communication should be independently verified through official channels before taking any action.
Police said coordinated operations across multiple states are continuing to apprehend the absconding accused and dismantle the alleged cybercrime network. Investigators emphasised that the objective extends beyond arresting the suspected mastermind and includes identifying the entire syndicate, uncovering its financial infrastructure, tracing its overseas connections and initiating legal action against all individuals found to be involved. The investigation remains ongoing.
