An alleged interstate cyber fraud network has been busted in Uttar Pradesh’s Varanasi, where a joint team of Sigra Police and the Cyber Crime Cell arrested six accused, including an alleged woman kingpin. According to police, the gang lured economically vulnerable individuals with money and fraudulently updated their Aadhaar cards with fake addresses in Varanasi. These forged addresses were then used to open bank accounts that were allegedly supplied to cybercriminals for routing proceeds of online fraud. Police claim that bank accounts, cheque books and other documents recovered during the operation were linked to cyber frauds involving nearly ₹76.44 lakh. Investigators are now examining financial transactions and complaints registered in multiple states to identify the wider network.
According to investigators, the alleged kingpin, Aarti Kumari, is a resident of the Dudhi area in Sonbhadra district. The other arrested accused have been identified as Malti Devi, Umang Kumar, Shobhnath, Jitendra Kannaujia and Anil Kumar. Police said each member allegedly played a specific role in the operation, ranging from arranging forged identity documents and opening bank accounts to facilitating their delivery to cybercriminals. Digital devices, financial records and communication between the accused are currently being analysed.
The investigation has revealed that the gang allegedly persuaded financially weak individuals to allow their Aadhaar cards to be updated with fake residential addresses in Sigra, Varanasi. Using these forged details, bank accounts were allegedly opened in multiple financial institutions. Police further alleged that Shobhnath, a postman among the accused, intercepted bank kits containing cheque books and debit cards before they reached the registered addresses. These kits, along with mobile SIM cards linked to the accounts, were then allegedly packed and dispatched through courier services to cybercriminals operating in different parts of the country. Investigators are examining whether additional individuals facilitated the process.
Police recovered cheque books from multiple banks, debit cards, 11 passbooks, Aadhaar cards, PAN cards and several other documents from the accused. Preliminary findings indicate that these bank accounts were allegedly used in cyber fraud cases reported in Karnataka, Rajasthan, Punjab, Tamil Nadu, Bihar, Haryana, Assam and Manipur, among other states. Police said a total of 21 criminal cases linked to the network have been registered across the country. In Karnataka alone, investigators have traced cyber fraud transactions exceeding ₹35.50 lakh through these accounts. Authorities are coordinating with police forces and financial institutions in multiple states to identify beneficiaries and track the movement of funds.
Renowned cybercrime expert and former IPS officer Prof. Triveni Singh said cybercriminals increasingly rely on fake or rented bank accounts, commonly known as mule accounts, to quickly move and conceal illegally obtained money. He warned that allowing someone else to use one’s Aadhaar card, bank account or mobile SIM can expose individuals to serious legal consequences. He advised citizens never to share their identity documents or banking facilities in exchange for money or other inducements.
Police said forensic examination of the accused’s mobile phones, banking records, digital devices, Aadhaar modification documents and courier records is underway. Investigators are also working to identify cybercriminals in other states who allegedly received and used these accounts, as well as tracing the ultimate destination of the fraud proceeds. Authorities stated that if the investigation uncovers the involvement of additional individuals or a larger organised cybercrime network, further legal action will be taken in accordance with the law. Police have urged the public not to allow anyone else to use their bank accounts, Aadhaar cards or mobile SIM cards and to immediately report any suspicious activity to the police and their respective banks.
