Interstate UPI Fraud Racket Uncovered in Mau: 3 Jharkhand Men Arrested, 23 Phones Seized

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Authorities in Uttar Pradesh’s Mau district dismantled a cross-state cyber fraud operation through coordinated efforts by multiple police units, leading to the arrest of three individuals and two minors.

Operation Overview

Law enforcement agencies, including the Cyber Crime Cell, Muhammadabad Gohna Police, and Kotwali Police, dismantled a cyber fraud network following a vehicle inspection initiative. Intelligence indicated the presence of cybercriminals near the Ramlila Railway Ground in the Kotwali area, prompting a joint raid that resulted in the arrest of three Jharkhand residents and two juveniles.

Key Details of the Operation

The arrested individuals—Sudama Mahto, Raju Sharma, and Chhotu Kumar Sah—originated from the Taljhari police station jurisdiction in Sahibganj district. They were linked to a ₹6 lakh fraud incident in the Muhammadabad Gohna region approximately two months prior. The gang allegedly used stolen mobile devices to execute UPI-based financial scams, with 23 devices seized, 17 confirmed as stolen.

Suspects and Methods

The suspects evaded capture after an earlier fraud case, with multiple searches conducted at suspected hideouts. Stolen phones were reportedly used to generate new UPI identities via QR code registration, enabling unauthorized fund transfers. Some devices were transported to Jharkhand and sold to other cybercriminals, facilitating continued fraudulent activities.

Forensic Analysis and Investigations

Forensic evaluation of seized devices, including SIM cards and digital tools, is ongoing. Investigators are examining UPI transaction logs, banking records, contact directories, messaging histories, and call data to trace additional network members and assess the operational scale. The gang targeted high-traffic areas such as markets and railway stations to pilfer devices.

Expert Advice and Public Warnings

Cybercrime expert and former IPS officer Prof. Triveni Singh emphasized the risks of stolen devices, stating they grant access to banking apps, digital wallets, and sensitive financial data. He advised the public to immediately deactivate SIM cards, suspend UPI and mobile banking services linked to lost devices, and report incidents via the National Cyber Helpline 1930 or the Cyber Crime Portal.

“Stolen devices grant access to banking apps, digital wallets, and sensitive financial data,” said Prof. Triveni Singh, a cybercrime expert and former IPS officer.

Ongoing Investigations

The arrested individuals have been presented before the court and remanded to judicial custody. Authorities are investigating potential connections to similar incidents in Uttar Pradesh and neighboring states by analyzing financial trails, digital payment records, and mobile data. The operation highlights the evolving nature of mobile theft and cross-state cybercrime networks.