CyberFraud – Delhi Police Uncovers Network Supplying Bank Accounts to Scammers
CyberFraud – A cybercrime investigation by Delhi Police has led to the exposure of an alleged network that provided bank accounts to fraudsters for routing money obtained through online scams. Three individuals from Delhi and Uttar Pradesh have been arrested in connection with the case, officials said on Friday.
Complaint Triggered Detailed Investigation
The case began after a resident of Delhi’s IP Extension filed an electronic First Information Report (e-FIR), alleging that funds had been illegally withdrawn from his bank account during an online transaction. According to the complaint, the stolen money was transferred through several different bank accounts shortly after the fraudulent activity occurred.
Police launched a detailed investigation to trace the movement of the funds. Investigators examined banking records, mobile phone data, Know Your Customer (KYC) documents, and other digital evidence to identify those linked to the transactions.
Money Trail Led Investigators to Multiple Accounts
During the probe, authorities discovered that approximately ₹72,000 from the defrauded amount had been transferred to a bank account registered in the name of Shivam Kumar, a resident of Muzaffarnagar in Uttar Pradesh. Further scrutiny revealed that another ₹49,900 had been deposited into an account associated with Rajender Sharma, who resides in Delhi’s Tilak Nagar area.
Both account holders were located and questioned by investigators. Officials said their statements provided crucial information that helped uncover a wider network operating behind the transactions.
Suspected Facilitator Arrested in Meerut
According to police, Shivam Kumar informed investigators that his bank account had been opened at the direction of Ankit Chaudhary, a resident of Meerut. Acting on this lead, a police team carried out a raid in Meerut and detained Chaudhary.
Authorities believe Chaudhary played a significant role in arranging bank accounts that were later used by cybercriminals. Investigators suspect he acted as an intermediary, helping fraudsters gain access to accounts through a network of associates.
Accounts Allegedly Supplied for Commission
During questioning, Chaudhary reportedly admitted that he facilitated the procurement of multiple bank accounts in exchange for commissions. Police said preliminary findings suggest he may have been involved in arranging at least five such accounts that were later used in cybercrime-related activities.
Officials explained that such accounts are often used to temporarily receive and transfer fraudulent proceeds, making it more difficult for investigators to trace the final beneficiaries of the scams.
Vulnerable Individuals Were Targeted
Investigators said the accused allegedly approached unemployed and financially struggling individuals with promises of earnings, commissions, or job opportunities. They were persuaded to open bank accounts, after which their ATM cards, banking credentials, and account access details were reportedly handed over to criminal operators.
These accounts were then used to receive money generated through online fraud schemes before the funds were moved further through the financial system.
Recovery of Fraud-Linked Funds
Police stated that more than ₹1 lakh connected to the investigation has been identified and secured so far. Efforts are continuing to trace additional individuals who may have been involved in the operation and to determine the full scale of the network.
Authorities have urged citizens to remain cautious while sharing banking information and to avoid allowing others to use their personal bank accounts, as such activities can expose account holders to legal consequences.