Prayagraj Cyber Cell has arrested a 29-year-old man allegedly linked to an interstate digital arrest fraud network and recovered assets worth ₹64.61 lakh, including cash and insurance policies, police said.
The arrested suspect, identified as Ayush Awasthi, was allegedly involved in routing money obtained through cyber fraud. Investigators are now examining whether the network targeted victims in several states and how the proceeds were distributed through multiple bank accounts.
Woman Allegedly Threatened Over Fake Courier Case
According to police, the investigation began after a woman from Georgetown reported receiving a WhatsApp call on August 26.
The callers allegedly posed as a courier company employee and a cyber police officer. They reportedly claimed that a parcel containing narcotics had been intercepted and was connected to the woman's Aadhaar details.
The fraudsters allegedly threatened her with legal consequences and placed her under what is commonly described as a "digital arrest", demanding that she transfer ₹1.78 crore to various bank accounts to avoid further action.
The woman subsequently approached the authorities, leading to the registration of a case at Prayagraj Cyber Crime Police Station on October 1 under relevant provisions of the Bharatiya Nyaya Sanhita and the Information Technology Act.
Bank Trail Helped Investigators Identify Suspect
Police said investigators examined the KYC information associated with suspected bank accounts along with transaction records, call detail records and customer application forms.
The financial trail reportedly led investigators to an account allegedly used for receiving or routing fraud proceeds. The account was linked to Ayush Awasthi, a resident of Sikandrabad village in Lakhimpur Kheri district.
Police arrested Awasthi from his village on October 4.
Investigators are now examining the transaction trail to establish his precise role and identify other people allegedly connected to the network.
₹64.61 Lakh in Cash and Insurance Policies Recovered
Police said they recovered assets valued at approximately ₹64.61 lakh from Awasthi.
The recovery reportedly included:
- ₹24.61 lakh in cash
- Insurance policies worth around ₹40 lakh
- Two mobile phones
- A cheque book
The seized material is being examined as part of the wider investigation into the alleged financial network.
Alleged 10% Commission for Routing Fraud Money
During questioning, police said Awasthi disclosed that he had previously operated a labour supply business associated with a private bank.
Investigators allege that he later came into contact with Rajan Shukla through Nishant Trivedi, another person from his village. According to police, Shukla allegedly offered Awasthi a 10% commission for allowing cyber-fraud proceeds to pass through his bank account.
Police said Awasthi, Trivedi and Shukla travelled to Mumbai on September 6. Investigators allege that around ₹48.50 lakh was transferred from the complainant's account over September 7 and 8.
These claims are part of the ongoing investigation and have not been established in court.
Police Suspect Wider Interstate Network
Analysis of bank transactions reportedly indicated that the alleged operation may have extended beyond Uttar Pradesh.
Police said accounts associated with the suspected network may have been used in cases involving victims or transactions connected with Uttarakhand, Tamil Nadu and Maharashtra.
Investigators have reportedly identified transactions involving approximately ₹3.80 crore, which they suspect may have been moved through several accounts as part of an alleged layering process.
Authorities have contacted police and other agencies in the concerned states through the National Cyber Crime Reporting Portal and interstate coordination channels.
Two Suspects Remain Absconding
According to police, Rajan Shukla and Nishant Trivedi are currently absconding.
Three teams have reportedly been deployed to locate and arrest them. Investigators are also working to determine whether additional individuals and bank accounts were involved.
The investigation is focusing on the movement of money between accounts, communications among the suspects and the broader structure of the alleged digital arrest network.
Financial Trail Under Investigation
The recovery of cash, insurance policies, mobile phones and banking documents could provide investigators with additional leads as they reconstruct the alleged flow of funds.
The case also highlights how digital arrest scams can involve multiple layers beyond the initial victim, including alleged intermediaries, bank accounts and fund-routing arrangements.
A detailed Financial Investigation can help investigators and organisations examine transaction patterns, identify suspicious fund movements and understand complex financial trails in cases involving alleged fraud.
Further investigation is underway, and police are continuing efforts to identify other suspects and determine the full extent of the alleged interstate operation.