Ayodhya Police Crack Down on Fake Gaming Scam, Seize 11,000 Accounts

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Ayodhya Cyber Crime Division dismantled a fraudulent gaming investment operation, resulting in the arrest of two individuals, the freezing of 57 lakh rupees, and the recovery of data associated with over 11,000 gaming accounts.

Operation Details

Investigators uncovered evidence of a structured scheme that utilized a deceptive online platform to attract investors with promises of excessive returns. The operation involved creating fictitious financial records and inflated account balances to deceive participants before initiating withdrawal processes.

Forensic Analysis

A forensic analysis of seized digital devices revealed a database containing more than 11,000 gaming credentials, along with transaction logs and communication records used to manage the fraud.

Suspects and Financial Trail

The accused, identified as Aqeel Ahmad and Aman Khan, operated the scheme from a residential location that also housed a fabricated call center infrastructure. Law enforcement traced the financial activities to the suspects after examining suspicious banking transactions.

Bank Accounts and Freezing of Funds

The investigation uncovered five bank accounts linked to the accused, one of which had previously been flagged on the National Cyber Crime Reporting Portal in connection with an unrelated fraud case. Authorities have frozen 57 lakh rupees from a separate account and are continuing to assess additional financial trails to determine the full scope of the alleged deception.

Broader Cyber Fraud Trends

This case aligns with a broader trend of cyber fraud in Uttar Pradesh, which reported 1.85 lakh cybercrime complaints in the first half of 2026, surpassing other states. Nationally, investment scams, including those involving fake gaming and trading platforms, account for 75 to 77 percent of cyber-related financial losses.

Financial Losses and Tactics

In 2025, Indian citizens lost an estimated 22,495 crore rupees through such schemes. Cybersecurity analysts note that fraudulent platforms increasingly rely on social engineering tactics, fabricated dashboards, and unrealistic return guarantees to manipulate victims.

Expert Advice and Public Safety Measures

Experts advise the public to scrutinize any investment opportunity offering unusually high or guaranteed returns, verify the legitimacy of digital platforms through independent channels, and avoid transferring funds to unverified services. Individuals who suspect they have been targeted are encouraged to report incidents via the 1930 Cyber Helpline or the National Cyber Crime Reporting Portal.

Conclusion

The case highlights the growing prevalence of digital financial fraud, with malicious actors leveraging technology to exploit trust and create complex, hard-to-trace networks. Law enforcement agencies continue to investigate the remaining suspect and assess the extent of the operation’s reach.