Cybercrime incidents in Gorakhpur have increased sharply in 2026, with thousands of fraud cases reported within the first 4 months of the year and financial losses crossing Rs 10.73 crore.
According to official data, 2,767 cyber fraud cases were registered between January 1 and April 30, 2026. Police said cybercriminals allegedly cheated victims of nearly Rs 10.73 crore during this period. Authorities were able to freeze around Rs 3.62 crore through quick coordination with banks and timely intervention.
Officials said the district had already witnessed high cybercrime activity in 2025, when 5,182 cases were reported involving losses of around Rs 27.49 crore. Out of this amount, nearly Rs 9.37 crore was frozen after police action.
Investigators stated that cyber fraud operations are now spreading into rural areas. According to officials, unemployed and financially weak individuals are being targeted with false promises linked to government schemes. Fraudsters allegedly open bank accounts in their names and later use them as mule accounts to transfer stolen money.
Police said in several cases, criminals take possession of passbooks, ATM cards, and cheque books. In other cases, accounts are created using identity documents while the operational control remains with fraud networks. Officials added that account holders are reportedly paid between Rs 1,500 and Rs 2,000 for allowing the use of their accounts.
Authorities have so far verified more than 1,700 mule accounts, although investigators believe the actual number could be significantly higher.
This year, police examined 496 ATM withdrawal-related incidents and 145 cheque withdrawal cases. Officials also verified 136 suspicious hotspots and blocked 2,963 mobile numbers linked to fraudulent activities.
Police have registered 8 cases and arrested 28 accused individuals connected to cyber fraud networks. Those arrested include Rahul Kumar, Aman Yadav, Vikas Gupta, Sonu Nishad, and Rakesh Patel.
SP Crime Namaste said cyber monitoring has been intensified and urged victims to immediately report fraud through the national cyber helpline 1930 or the cybercrime portal. Officials also advised citizens never to share OTPs, UPI PINs, or banking credentials.
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