Authorities have uncovered a well-organised cyber fraud network that targeted vulnerable individuals by offering fake bank loans and government scheme benefits, leading to the arrest of 7 accused so far.
The racket lured unemployed and financially distressed individuals with promises of loans or scheme access. In the process, victims were asked to share Aadhaar cards and other key documents. These were then used to open new bank accounts or gain control over existing ones.
Once access was secured, the accused retained passbooks, ATM cards, cheque books, and SIM cards. These accounts were used to route and withdraw money linked to cyber fraud activities. In some cases, account holders were given commissions for allowing their accounts to be used.
The case came to light after a school teacher reported misuse of his bank account. Investigations revealed that the accused had taken control of his account credentials and conducted suspicious transactions worth lakhs of rupees. The fraud surfaced only after the account was frozen.
Further probe identified at least 10 bank accounts involved in large-scale transactions. Officials believe the number of affected victims could be much higher and are working to trace them.
During raids, authorities recovered 10 mobile phones, 1 tablet, 2 laptops, 8 forged seals, 28 signed cheques, 4 passbooks, 3 ATM cards, and 2 cheque books. The seizures indicate a well-equipped operation capable of producing forged documents and executing financial fraud.
Investigators also found that the gang facilitated loans using fake paperwork. Forged stamps linked to revenue and other departments were used to create land records and documents required for loan approvals. Authorities are now assessing how many fraudulent loans were processed.
Those arrested include Dhruv Sahani, Suraj Singh, Ajay Upadhyay, Akhand Pratap Singh, Brijendra Kumar Singh, Abhishek Kumar Yadav, and Amar Kumar Nishad. 3 suspects from Lucknow, Varanasi, and Bhadohi remain absconding.
Officials have advised the public not to share bank details, ATM cards, or personal documents with unknown individuals under any circumstances.
The investigation is ongoing to uncover the full scale of the network and identify all those involved.
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