Bareilly Police Arrest Man for Forged Identity in ₹62 Lakh Cyber Fraud

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Bareilly Police have apprehended a 42-year-old individual, Jaswinder Singh, accused of establishing a fraudulent bank account using counterfeit ID documents to channel funds from a matrimonial scam amounting to ₹62 lakh.

Apprehension and Investigation Details

The operation, uncovered by the Cyber Cell of the Uttar Pradesh Police, involved the creation of a financial infrastructure designed to obscure the source of illicit proceeds. Singh, a resident of Chinka Ghat in Udham Singh Nagar district, Uttarakhand, was detained near the Vilay Dham flyover in Bareilly following a surveillance operation. The investigation began after a complaint was filed in April 2025 regarding unauthorized transactions totaling ₹62 lakh credited to a Canara Bank account. Forensic analysis of the account’s opening documents revealed the use of falsified Aadhaar records and manipulated Know Your Customer (KYC) information.

Operational Tactics: Deceptive Matrimonial Scams and Financial Exploitation

The criminal network targeted women on matrimonial platforms, deploying fabricated male profiles to initiate contact. Over time, perpetrators cultivated trust through prolonged digital interactions before introducing fraudulent financial propositions. Victims were coerced into transferring funds under false pretenses, such as investment opportunities, urgent medical expenses, or business ventures. Once payments were received, the syndicate severed communication and redirected the stolen funds through a secondary network of accounts.

Infrastructure for Fraud: Forged Documents and Mule Accounts

The case underscores the critical role of forged identification in facilitating cybercrime. Singh and two accomplices, Srinivas from Rampur and Manoj from Shahjahanpur, maintained a 15-year criminal partnership. They sourced counterfeit identity papers to establish bank accounts that masked the true beneficiaries of the fraud. Law enforcement noted that mule accounts, opened under false names, are instrumental in delaying financial freezes by creating layers of complexity in fund tracking.

Digital Forensics and Public Safety Measures

Authorities are conducting a thorough examination of seized mobile devices, SIM cards, and digital communication records to trace the full financial trajectory of the scam. Investigators are collaborating with banking institutions to identify additional accounts or digital wallets used in the distribution of the stolen ₹62 lakh. The police have issued warnings to the public, urging caution when engaging with unfamiliar individuals on online platforms. They emphasized that no financial transactions should be conducted without verifying the identity and credentials of the party involved. Individuals who suspect fraudulent activity are advised to report incidents through the National Cyber Crime Reporting Portal or contact the Cyber Helpline at 1930 to initiate account freezes.