Four Arrested in Fake Political Fund Scam Using Couple as Money Mules

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A Kanpur-based school proprietor couple was exploited as intermediaries in a cyber fraud scheme after being deceived into believing they would receive a fraudulent political funding commission.

The Fraud Scheme

Law enforcement authorities reported that the individuals were manipulated into facilitating the transfer of approximately ₹1.09 crore through their bank accounts, which were compromised via a series of coordinated cyberattacks.

The case came to light following a notification from Bengaluru police, which revealed 29 separate cybercrime complaints linked to the same network.

Targeted Exploitation

The couple, who operated a school in Rura, Kanpur Dehat, were reportedly approached by an individual named Noman Farooqui in March 2026. He allegedly promised them a 30 percent commission on a purported political fund transfer of ₹5 crore, assuring them that the remaining 70 percent would be returned.

Investigators determined that the couple’s accounts were specifically targeted due to their high transaction limits, which made them attractive for large-scale financial exploitation.

Techniques Used

Fraudsters gained control of the couple’s devices by installing a malicious APK file, which granted them access to their banking applications and SIM cards. This allowed the perpetrators to seize full control of the couple’s financial accounts and communications.

The couple was then taken to Siliguri, West Bengal, where they were detained in hotels for multiple days while transactions involving their ICICI Bank and Bandhan Bank accounts were executed. The funds were subsequently funneled through a network of associated accounts.

Arrests and Recovery

Arrests were made in Lucknow, with Abi Waqas and Mangal Singh detained by police. Their interrogations led to the apprehension of Brijendra Yadav and Rahul Sharma.

During the investigation, authorities recovered six mobile devices, six chequebooks, four bank passbooks, four ATM cards, a tax invoice book, letterheads, a vehicle, and official seals linked to multiple enterprises.

Broader Criminal Network

The operation uncovered a broader criminal network spanning Uttar Pradesh, Siliguri, Kolkata, and other regions. Noman Farooqui, identified as the alleged mastermind, remains at large along with several accomplices.

Law enforcement continues to trace the syndicate’s operations.

Shift in Cybercrime Tactics

This case highlights a growing trend in cybercrime where fraudsters target accounts with high transaction capacities rather than newly created mule accounts. Unlike previous schemes that relied on accounts opened solely for illicit purposes, this method leverages professionally credible financial profiles, complicating detection efforts.

Recent data from Kanpur’s cybercrime division indicates a surge in mule account-related fraud. In the past months, authorities have dismantled multiple networks, including one that generated 25 accounts in six months and sold them to fraudsters for approximately ₹7,000 each.

Expert Analysis

Professor Triveni Singh, a former IPS officer and cybercrime analyst, emphasized that mule accounts are central to organized cybercrime. He warned the public against sharing banking credentials, mobile devices, or SIM cards with others and advised against installing unverified APK files, which can grant criminals complete control over financial systems.