In a major crackdown, the Uttar Pradesh Special Task Force (STF) has successfully busted a large-scale cyber fraud ring operating out of Lucknow, arresting six members, including the ringleader. The operation, which took place in the Vibhuti Khand area, led to the seizure of multiple luxury vehicles, bank documents, and a range of electronic devices used in the fraudulent activities.
The gang was reportedly running a sophisticated scam involving rented corporate bank accounts, which they used to facilitate cyber fraud activities, including digital arrest, stock market scams, and online gaming fraud. The STF uncovered a treasure trove of evidence during the operation.
“During the operation, the STF recovered 11 mobile phones, 18 debit and credit cards, three Aadhaar cards, three PAN cards, a driving license, voter ID, and 52 pages of WhatsApp chats containing APK files and corporate bank account details. They also seized ₹34,500 in cash and two four-wheeler cars alleged to be used in the crime.”
The investigation was triggered when Atex Innovation Pvt Ltd, an IT firm in Lucknow, reported a ₹48 lakh fraud at the Cyber Crime Police Station. The company’s bank account had been compromised by the gang, leading to around 3,200 unauthorized transactions before the account was frozen. Abdul Malik, the gang’s leader, orchestrated the cyber attacks using malicious APK files.
The arrested individuals include Ayush Mishra (Gorakhpur), Yaseen Ahmed alias Yasir (Gonda), Syed Alim Hussain (Gonda), Pushpendra Singh (Rae Bareli), and Vijay Kumar Pathak (Jaunpur). These criminals each held a distinct role in executing the fraud schemes, from orchestrating the fraud to money laundering.
The mastermind, Abdul Malik, had been working with a network of international operatives, including individuals from Pune and Kathmandu, to recruit corporate account holders by promising lucrative commissions. The gang’s key operations included defrauding Atex Innovation Pvt Ltd of ₹47.58 lakh and laundering ₹1.2 crore through an Indian Overseas Bank account.
With the help of the seized electronic devices, investigators are tracking down further evidence. The STF is also working on identifying and arresting other members of the gang, while continuing to probe several complaints linked to their operations.
An FIR has been registered under sections 318(4), 319(2), and 111(2)(b) of the Indian Penal Code, along with Section 66C of the Information Technology Act.
Also read: Viksit Workforce for a Viksit Bharat
Do Follow: The Mainstream formerly known as CIO News LinkedIn Account | The Mainstream formerly known as CIO News Facebook | The Mainstream formerly known as CIO News Youtube | The Mainstream formerly known as CIO News Twitter
About us:
The Mainstream formerly known as CIO News is a premier platform dedicated to delivering latest news, updates, and insights from the tech industry. With its strong foundation of intellectual property and thought leadership, the platform is well-positioned to stay ahead of the curve and lead conversations about how technology shapes our world. From its early days as CIO News to its rebranding as The Mainstream on November 28, 2024, it has been expanding its global reach, targeting key markets in the Middle East & Africa, ASEAN, the USA, and the UK. The Mainstream is a vision to put technology at the center of every conversation, inspiring professionals and organizations to embrace the future of tech.
