Under Operation Cyber Vajra, Uttar Pradesh Police have carried out multiple coordinated raids in Firozabad, dismantling two organised cybercrime networks allegedly involved in digital arrest scams, fraudulent investment schemes and APK-based malware attacks.
Police said the operation exposed links to a large interstate cybercrime syndicate that allegedly targeted victims across several Indian states.
Digital Arrest Money Trail Identified
According to investigators, one part of the investigation began after actionable intelligence received through the Samanvaya Portal led police to a bank account allegedly used for receiving fraud proceeds generated through digital arrest scams.
During the operation, police arrested Arbaaz Khan, who allegedly permitted his State Bank of India account to be used for routing the suspected proceeds of cyber fraud.
Investigators alleged that:
- Around ₹18 lakh was routed through the account.
- Approximately 20% commission was retained.
- The remaining money was withdrawn through cheques and ATM transactions.
Police recovered:
- Mobile phone
- Two bank passbooks
- ATM card
- SIM card
Efforts are continuing to trace and arrest the alleged kingpin, Mohammad Uzair.
Fake Investment and APK Malware Racket Busted
In a separate operation, Dakshin Police dismantled another cyber fraud network allegedly involved in fake online investment scams.
According to police, victims were persuaded to:
- Invest through fraudulent online platforms.
- Download malicious APK files.
- Provide access to banking credentials.
- Transfer money into fraudulent accounts.
Four accused were arrested:
- Sanjay
- Hemant
- Suraj
- Hamid
The accused have been sent for judicial proceedings.
Fraud Linked to Multiple States
Investigators stated that the organised cybercrime network was active across several states, including:
- Tamil Nadu
- Maharashtra
- Delhi
- Karnataka
- Jharkhand
- Bihar
- Punjab
- Rajasthan
- West Bengal
- Madhya Pradesh
Police believe the syndicate used multiple bank accounts to layer and conceal the proceeds of cyber fraud.
Financial Investigation Continues
According to investigators:
- Approximately ₹1.01 crore in suspicious banking transactions has been identified.
- Around ₹11 lakh has already been frozen.
- Nearly ₹78 lakh had reportedly been withdrawn before police intervention.
Authorities also stated that the accused have been linked to approximately 22 cybercrime complaints registered across different states involving alleged fraud of nearly ₹1 crore.
Police believe the overall syndicate is linked to cyber frauds worth around ₹58 crore, with financial analysis continuing.
Eight More Accused Still Absconding
Police said eight additional members of the alleged network remain absconding.
Multiple teams have been deployed to:
- Identify additional associates.
- Trace beneficiary bank accounts.
- Recover digital evidence.
- Freeze suspected proceeds of crime.
- Arrest remaining accused.
Public Advisory
Police have advised citizens to remain cautious of:
- Digital arrest calls
- Fake investment platforms
- APK files received through messaging apps
- Unknown banking links
- Unsolicited financial advice
Citizens are advised to install applications only through official app stores and independently verify any communication claiming to be from law enforcement agencies.
Any suspected cyber fraud should be immediately reported through:
- National Cyber Crime Helpline 1930
- National Cyber Crime Reporting Portal
- Nearest police station
Investigation Ongoing
The investigation remains underway.
Police are continuing to analyse banking records, digital evidence, communication logs and interstate financial transactions to identify the full extent of the alleged cybercrime syndicate and recover additional fraud proceeds.
Shunyatax Global Insight
Shunyatax Global says that digital arrest scams increasingly combine psychological manipulation with technical attacks such as APK malware and mule bank accounts. Individuals should never install applications received through WhatsApp or SMS, never transfer money based on threats from callers claiming to be government officials, and always verify suspicious communications through official channels before taking any financial action.