Ghaziabad Cybercrime Team Arrests Man in ₹1.34 Crore Judge Fraud Scam
A cybercrime unit in Ghaziabad has detained a suspect linked to a financial deception scheme that allegedly defrauded judicial personnel of over ₹1.34 crore by falsely promising resolution of personal legal matters.
Arrest and Investigation
The accused, identified as Ishu Pandey from Chandigarh, is alleged to have exploited social media platforms to establish contact with a retired district and sessions judge. The victim, Prabodh Kumar, reported the incident alongside his son Devanshu, alleging that Pandey and his son orchestrated a fraudulent operation.
Deceptive Relationship
According to law enforcement, Pandey initially cultivated trust by asserting his ability to influence proceedings related to a family dispute under the Punjab and Haryana High Court. Over a period spanning June 2025 to April 2026, the accused allegedly cultivated a deceptive relationship, presenting himself as possessing significant ties to judicial and governmental institutions.
Threats and Financial Manipulation
Police confirmed that Pandey made threats against the retired judge, suggesting his son could be subjected to legal actions including false declarations of death or unlawful detention. Financial transactions involved multiple account transfers, with funds allegedly diverted to Khushboo Vijay, Sonali Begum, and Shaily Jain.
Recovery and Suspects
Investigators confirmed the illicit acquisition of over ₹1.34 crore through these activities. A mobile device linked to the case was recovered by the cybercrime branch. Additional findings indicated that a portion of the stolen funds was utilized for gambling activities on applications such as TikTok and Jua.
Additional Suspects
Khushboo Mirza, a Patna resident, is suspected of assisting the primary accused. Authorities are actively seeking Mirza while continuing to investigate the case’s full scope.
Implications and Warnings
The incident highlights vulnerabilities in digital communication channels and the risks associated with unverified claims of judicial influence. Law enforcement agencies have emphasized the importance of verifying sources before engaging in financial transactions involving legal matters.
Public Awareness
The case underscores the necessity for heightened vigilance against cyber-enabled fraud schemes targeting high-profile individuals. Ongoing investigations aim to determine the full extent of the network involved and any potential complicity of third parties.
Law Enforcement Response
The cybercrime team has reiterated its commitment to addressing financial crimes through digital forensic analysis and collaborative law enforcement efforts. The case serves as a cautionary example of how social engineering tactics can be leveraged to exploit trust in legal systems.
Future Measures
Authorities advise individuals to report suspicious activities promptly and to verify the credentials of any entity offering legal assistance. The incident has prompted discussions about strengthening safeguards against similar fraud attempts in the future.
Current Status
Law enforcement continues to monitor digital platforms for signs of related criminal activity. The case remains under active investigation with no indication of additional suspects at this time.
Legal Proceedings
The fraudulent scheme demonstrates the evolving nature of cybercrime and the need for continuous public awareness campaigns. The cybercrime unit has stated its readiness to pursue all leads in the matter.
Conclusion
The case highlights the critical role of digital evidence in modern criminal investigations. Authorities have not disclosed further details about the victim’s family dispute but confirmed the involvement of multiple financial transactions.
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