Police in Jaunpur, Uttar Pradesh, have dismantled a significant cyber fraud network by apprehending the alleged ringleader, Shubham Singh. The gang’s fraudulent activities involved deceiving individuals through counterfeit Bajaj loan schemes, investment offers, and travel packages, resulting in a total loss of approximately Rs 2.5 crore. The Cyber Crime Cell successfully captured the suspects following a thorough technical investigation and surveillance operation.
Jaunpur’s Additional Superintendent of Police (SP) Ayush Srivastava disclosed that the fraud syndicate targeted a large number of people nationwide, leading to over 20 complaints lodged on the National Cyber Crime Reporting Portal (NCRP). During a media briefing, SP Srivastava mentioned, “We have apprehended a cyber fraudster and have also identified his associates, who happen to be his own family members. We have seized about Rs 1.50 lakh in cash from him, in addition to recovering six mobile phones, 15 ATM cards, nine bank passbooks, and seven cheque books.”
The police authorities also uncovered fake Aadhaar cards and SIM cards believed to have been utilized in the cyber fraud operations. Detailing the alleged mastermind’s tactics, SP Srivastava explained, “The accused would dupe individuals under the guise of loan provisions and travel services. Upon receiving loan applications, he would extort money under various pretexts such as processing fees, application charges, and registration costs before cutting off communication with the victims.”
Furthermore, investigators revealed that the accused had been engaging in illicit activities since 2021, managing to trace around Rs 2 crore spread across multiple bank accounts linked to the suspects. Notably, Shubham and his brother each possess 10 bank accounts, while their enterprise named ‘Bajaj Run Tour and Travels’ maintains an additional 10 accounts. Additionally, a sum of Rs 2 crore has been traced to their sister’s account, indicating the extensive reach of their fraudulent transactions.
The police’s probe uncovered the use of forged identity documents and counterfeit SIM cards to operate numerous bank accounts and conduct fraudulent financial transactions. Moreover, authorities have identified connections to cyber fraud cases reported in Maharashtra and various other states. Investigations into the network’s operations and affiliates are currently ongoing.
