Varanasi: In a major crackdown on an interstate cyber fraud module, Varanasi Police have arrested two young men accused of creating fake bank websites on Google and duping unsuspecting victims across several states. The duo is believed to be part of a wider cyber syndicate reportedly operating under the direction of a Jharkhand-based mastermind known as Sharafat, who remains absconding. The arrests were made in connection with the fraudulent withdrawal of ₹5.50 lakh from the account of a retired Uttar Pradesh Police sub-inspector. Investigators suspect that the gang has siphoned off ₹25–30 lakh over the past year using similar tactics.
Retired SI Targeted; ₹5.50 Lakh Withdrawn in Two Transactions
The case pertains to Nawab Alam, a resident of Sadipur Khurd in the Sadar Kotwali area and a retired sub-inspector of UP Police. On 28 April, he discovered that cyber criminals had illegally withdrawn ₹5.50 lakh from his two bank accounts in separate transactions.
Following his complaint, the Cyber Police Station registered an FIR on 19 June and began tracking digital footprints associated with the fraudulent withdrawals. Investigators soon traced suspicious activity to the outskirts of Varanasi, leading them to a hideout near Tengra Mod Bypass, Ramnagar (Sonebhadra). A raid was conducted on Thursday, resulting in the arrest of two key operatives.
Who Are the Accused: IIT Student Among Arrested Duo
The arrested individuals have been identified as:
- Prince Patel, resident of Bhawanipur, Chunar (Mirzapur)
- Kunal Yadav, resident of Turra Lanka Colony, Pipri (Sonebhadra)
The two men, who were previously acquainted, were living together in a rented room in Varanasi. Police recovered two mobile phones and ₹10,000 in cash from their possession.
What has surprised investigators is the educational background of one of the accused: Prince Patel is reportedly an IIT student from Mirzapur district. His associate, Kunal Yadav, is an intermediate pass youth. During questioning, both admitted that their role was limited to arranging bank accounts and forwarding digital documents to the mastermind in Jharkhand. They claimed to have received commission-based payments for each account arranged.
Fake Bank Websites Used to Lure Victims
According to Inspector Sunil Kumar Singh, in charge of the Cyber Police Station, the operation was orchestrated by Sharafat, a resident of Dhanbad, Jharkhand. His modus operandi involved:
- Developing fake bank websites on Google platforms
- Embedding fraudulent links that mimicked official banking portals
- Luring users with trading schemes, investment offers, and financial incentives
- Collecting sensitive banking details and opening new accounts using unauthorised documents
The arrested duo helped create nearly 15 fake bank accounts over the past year. They procured passbooks, SIM cards, debit cards and mobile phones, which were then couriered to Dhanbad for further exploitation. These accounts were subsequently used to route fraudulent transactions.
Cyber Hub Operated from a Rented Room in Varanasi
The police investigation revealed that the duo operated the digital end of the syndicate from a rented room.
They allegedly handled:
- Initial contact with potential victims
- Digital verification processes
- Collection of documents
- Real-time coordination with the mastermind
Police are now working to determine how the two came in contact with Sharafat and whether a larger group is involved.
WhatsApp Chats, IP Logs Lead Investigation Forward
Investigators have begun analysing WhatsApp chats, device data and IP logs recovered from the seized phones. There is strong suspicion that Sharafat may be linked to broader cybercrime networks active in Jharkhand—considered a notable hotspot for organised digital fraud.
Police say they are confident that digital surveillance will help locate and arrest the mastermind soon.
