The Special Task Force (STF) of Uttar Pradesh has successfully apprehended two cybercriminals involved in an organized cyber fraud racket. The accused, in collaboration with Chinese nationals, were operating fraudulent schemes through digital arrest, gaming, and trading applications. Their activities primarily focused on scamming victims and laundering money through mule accounts. The arrest took place on February 25, 2025, in Gautam Buddha Nagar.
Modus Operandi:
The criminals were engaged in large-scale financial fraud by exploiting gaming and trading applications. Their primary method involved digital arrest, where they falsely detained victims using digital platforms and coerced them into financial transactions. They worked with Chinese handlers and utilized Telegram channels to communicate and distribute fraudulent funds.
Key Methods Used:
- They hired mule account holders across India, paying commissions to individuals willing to allow illicit transactions through their bank accounts.
- The fraudulent money was transferred to USDT (Tether) cryptocurrency wallets, which were later converted into cash.
- They used Chinese messaging apps to facilitate illegal banking transactions.
- API tools were used to connect victims’ bank accounts, allowing fraudsters to transfer money remotely.
- OTPs received on registered mobile numbers were automatically shared with foreign handlers via pre-installed Chinese applications.
- Arrest and Seizure:
- The STF arrested two accused individuals:
- Rohan Agarwal (29 years old) – Resident of Prayagraj.
- Harsh Vardhan Gupta (28 years old) – Resident of Kanpur.
- Items Recovered from the Accused:
- 14 debit/credit cards
- 3 Aadhaar cards
- 1 PAN card
- 1 Driving license
- 1 Passport
- 7 Mobile phones
- Rs 4,00,000 in cash
- Multiple documents related to cyber fraud
- The accused were taken into custody and have been charged under various sections of the Indian Penal Code (IPC) and IT Act.
- Team Led By:
- The operation was conducted under the supervision of Additional Superintendent of Police (ASP) Rajkumar Mishra and Deputy Superintendent of Police (DSP) Navendu Kumar. The field operation was led by Inspector and Sub-Inspector of STF Noida Unit.
