Prayagraj: A major cyber fraud involving the creation of a fake website impersonating the Uttar Pradesh Board of Secondary Education has been unearthed, with two more members of the organized gang arrested. Earlier, two accused had been taken into custody five days ago. With the latest action, a total of four individuals linked to the racket are now behind bars, while investigators believe more arrests are likely as the probe deepens.
Arrests and Seizures Point to Organized Network
According to officials, the newly arrested accused have been identified as Satyendra Barnwal and Monu Gupta. Both were operating from different locations and had been actively involved in the network for a considerable period. During the arrests, authorities recovered three mobile phones, three SIM cards, two laptops, 24 forged mark sheets, diplomas and migration certificates, along with four fake seals. The seized documents were reportedly of such high quality that distinguishing them from genuine ones was difficult during routine checks.
The case came to light after a complaint was filed by an official of the UP Board regarding a fraudulent website mimicking the official portal. The complaint highlighted that the fake platform was being used to supply counterfeit academic documents to students and institutions. Following the registration of the case, the cyber crime unit initiated a technical investigation and traced the digital trail leading to the gang.
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Modus Operandi: Trust Through Imitation
On March 25, in the first phase of the operation, two accused from Azamgarh—Shashi Prakash Rai alias Rajan and Manish Kumar Rai—were arrested. Their interrogation led to the identification of other members of the syndicate. Acting on this information, teams conducted raids and apprehended Satyendra Barnwal and Monu Gupta.
During questioning, the accused admitted that they created forged websites resembling official education boards and universities. Through these platforms, they produced fake mark sheets, degrees, diplomas, and migration certificates not only for Uttar Pradesh but also for institutions in other states. The documents were then printed in color and stamped with counterfeit seals to make them appear authentic.
Investigators revealed that the gang meticulously replicated original websites, copying their design, logos, and layout to gain the trust of unsuspecting users. They would accept applications through these fake portals to create a sense of legitimacy. Once contacted by students or institutions, the accused charged hefty amounts and delivered forged documents.
Wider Concerns Over Academic Integrity
Further findings suggest that the gang promoted its illegal services through social media and other online channels. Exploiting unemployment and the pressure of competitive exams, they targeted individuals seeking shortcuts to secure jobs or admissions. Fake documents were also supplied to certain educational institutions, indicating the wide reach and deep penetration of the network.
Authorities are now working to piece together the entire operation. Data retrieved from the seized laptops and mobile phones is being analyzed to identify additional suspects and uncover the full extent of the racket. Officials believe the gang had been active for a long time and maintained links across multiple states.
