Police Uncover ₹1.5 Crore Digital Fraud Network Using Fake Accounts and Tech Tools
In a major crackdown in Bareilly, police have arrested a homoeopathic practitioner along with four others for allegedly running an interstate cyber fraud racket with suspected international links to Nepal and possible connections to Chinese handlers.
Doctor From Ambedkar Nagar Among Key Accused
The arrested individuals include a homoeopathic doctor from Ambedkar Nagar, who is accused of allowing his bank account to be used for fraudulent transactions. Police believe the racket operated through a well-structured network involving operators, agents, and account holders.
Kingpin Absconding, Probe Expands
Officials have identified a suspected kingpin based in Bareilly, who is currently absconding. Authorities are continuing their investigation to track down additional members of the network and uncover the full extent of the operation.
Modus Operandi: Fake Trusts, Layered Transactions
According to ASP Ashutosh Shivam, the accused used fake trusts and multiple bank accounts to siphon money from victims across several states.
Funds were routed through various beneficiary accounts to avoid detection before being withdrawn via ATMs or cheques. The gang also allegedly used digital tools to access banking messages and execute transactions across layered accounts.
Hundreds of Complaints, Massive Financial Trail
Police revealed that at least 524 complaints linked to 22 bank accounts have been identified so far, pointing to a large-scale cyber fraud operation.
Digital evidence recovered from seized devices shows transaction trails amounting to nearly ₹1.5 crore, which investigators are currently analyzing in detail.
Seizures Include Devices, SUV, and Illegal Firearms
During searches, authorities recovered a laptop, seven mobile phones, bank documents, 11 ATM cards, an SUV, and illegal firearms, along with significant volumes of fraud-related data.
Legal Action Under Multiple Laws
An FIR has been registered under provisions of the Bharatiya Nyaya Sanhita, the Information Technology Act, and the Arms Act. Police have indicated that further arrests are likely as the probe continues.
Cross-Border Links Under Scanner
During interrogation, one accused claimed to have learned cyber fraud techniques in Delhi, while investigators suspect that some operators may be based in Nepal and potentially linked to Chinese handlers, raising concerns about cross-border cybercrime networks.
Ongoing Investigation
Authorities are now focusing on tracing financial flows, identifying additional victims, and dismantling the entire network. The case highlights the growing sophistication of cyber fraud operations and the increasing use of digital platforms for financial crimes in India.
