UP Police Investigates Mathura's 'Mini Jamtara' Cyber Scam in 18 Villages

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UP Police have detained 312 individuals and are examining 7,000 mobile numbers and 1,400 bank accounts as Mathura’s rural areas are being investigated for operating a large-scale cybercrime network spanning 18 villages.

Structure of the Cybercrime Network

The investigation reveals a highly structured system where fraud activities are divided into specialized roles. One group procures essential tools such as mule bank accounts, counterfeit SIM cards, and ATM cards, often through deception or financial incentives. Another team targets victims via phone calls, online platforms, and fraudulent websites, while a third handles money laundering by rapidly transferring funds across multiple accounts and states to evade detection.

Key Locations and Operations

Devsaras village in Mathura’s Govardhan area has emerged as a central node for these operations, with gangs exploiting digital loan schemes, job frauds, and phishing tactics to defraud victims nationwide. The proximity of these villages to the Rajasthan and Haryana borders facilitates cross-state movement of suspects and equipment, complicating jurisdictional coordination.

Seizures and Forensic Analysis

Joint operations with Rajasthan Police have led to the seizure of 137 mobile devices, two laptops, 42 debit cards, five bank passbooks, twelve chequebooks, and 50 SIM cards, all undergoing forensic analysis to map the network’s reach. The demographic profile of those involved includes young men from rural farming communities with minimal formal education, lured by the potential for rapid income in regions with limited employment opportunities.

Training and Adaptation

Many acquired fraud techniques through online platforms like Telegram, where experienced operators trained newcomers in methods such as QR code manipulation and identity theft. Some individuals previously engaged in traditional crimes transitioned to digital fraud, citing lower risk and higher profitability. A notable indicator of the network’s scale was observed during a high-profile wedding in Devsaras, where the procession featured over 40 luxury vehicles, prompting investigative scrutiny.

Challenges and Expert Insights

Authorities are evaluating whether organized crime charges apply alongside existing fraud and IT Act violations. The challenge for law enforcement lies in the network’s ability to rapidly adapt, with transactions routed through multiple accounts and states to avoid freezing. Forensic analysis of the 1,400 bank accounts under review suggests a broader laundering infrastructure extending beyond local boundaries.

Prof. Triveni Singh, a cybercrime specialist and former IPS officer, highlights that disrupting these operations necessitates focusing on infrastructure rather than individual arrests. Strategies such as tracing fund movement chains, freezing account networks, and enhancing cross-jurisdictional collaboration are critical to preventing the network’s displacement to adjacent areas.