Pilibhit Cyber Fraud Ring Investigation Reveals ₹102.54 Crore in Illegal Transactions
Pilibhit authorities have detained two individuals following the exposure of a suspected cyber fraud operation linked to transactions totaling ₹102.54 crore across three bank accounts.
Investigation Initiation and Initial Findings
The probe commenced after a report from a Naurang resident in Pilibhit, who alleged that personal identification documents, including Aadhaar and PAN cards, were collected under false pretenses. These materials were reportedly used to open bank accounts, which were later utilized for illicit transactions. The accused allegedly targeted financially vulnerable individuals by offering incentives such as government scheme benefits or monetary rewards in exchange for account creation. Once documents were secured, network members allegedly obtained ATM cards, passbooks, and cheque books from the accounts.
Bank Account Analysis and Transaction Scale
A forensic review of the implicated accounts identified significant activity across three separate accounts. One account, linked to an individual named Harun, was associated with 85 complaints and transactions amounting to ₹42.54 crore. A second account, tied to Mohsin, involved 15 complaints and approximately ₹32 crore in transactions. A third account, connected to Rahul, was linked to 34 complaints and ₹28 crore in activity. Combined, the three accounts facilitated transactions totaling ₹102.54 crore. Investigators are examining potential connections between these accounts and cybercrime reports from multiple regions across India.
Recovery of Evidence and Financial Holds
During the arrest, law enforcement recovered six mobile devices, one laptop, 16 Aadhaar cards, 10 ATM cards, seven cheque books, and 10 bank passbooks from the detained suspects. Additionally, ₹5 lakh in the implicated accounts has been frozen. Digital evidence from the seized devices is undergoing forensic analysis to determine the full scope of the operation and identify potential accomplices. The seizure of identity and banking documents is a critical focus, as it sheds light on how the accounts were allegedly acquired and managed.
Ongoing Search for Additional Suspects
Authorities have identified two additional individuals under suspicion: Vishal Maurya and Furman, the son of Afshar Khan. Both are believed to reside in the Harvanshpur Lakshminiapur area of Bhojipura, Bareilly. Police are actively seeking these individuals while investigating other bank accounts and potential mule account holders who may have benefited from the scheme. The arrested suspects are currently appearing before a judicial authority, as investigators continue tracing financial and digital trails. Further inquiries are underway to determine if additional accounts or individuals are connected to the network.
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