Nationwide Cyber Fraud Network Exposed: 70 Bank Accounts and 187 Fake SIM Cards Uncovered

New Delhi: A cybercrime network operating across several states, with links stretching from Hyderabad to Jalandhar, has been uncovered by Outer North District Police. Six people have been arrested in connection with four separate cases involving the alleged misuse of bank accounts, fraudulent SIM cards and other methods to facilitate online scams.

Investigators have identified around 70 bank accounts and a network involving 187 SIM cards issued during 2026. According to Additional Deputy Commissioner of Police-I Lokeshwaran R, the accused allegedly used promises of insurance benefits, employment and high financial returns to persuade people to open bank accounts. They then handed over account-related documents and banking instruments to cybercriminals.

Bank Accounts Arranged Through False Promises

In the first case, a gang operating in the Shahbad Dairy area allegedly lured people with offers of insurance benefits, jobs and financial gains. After getting accounts opened, the accused collected ATM cards, cheque books and other banking documents before passing them on to cyber fraudsters.

Police have arrested Devendra alias Sachin in this case. His alleged associate Mohit is currently lodged in Tihar Jail.

Customer Documents Misused to Obtain SIM Cards

The second case involves SIM card vendor Atul, who is accused of misusing customers' identity documents to obtain additional Vodafone Idea connections without their knowledge or consent.

These SIM cards were allegedly sold to Sameer and Pankaj for around ₹1,500 each. Police have arrested three accused in connection with this case.

Multiple Accounts and Suspected Fraud Transactions Under Investigation

In the third case, Sumit allegedly handed over three of his bank accounts to Vicky Chauhan in exchange for ₹20,000.

In the fourth case, police arrested Saurav from Jalandhar. Investigators reportedly found details of 29 bank accounts, 85 debit and credit cards, and 10 cards bearing concealed identities on his mobile phone. He is suspected of handling proceeds linked to fraudulent transactions worth approximately ₹3.73 crore.

A 500-square-yard bakery factory and a Mahindra XUV700 allegedly associated with him are also under investigation.

125 Complaints Reveal Fraud Worth ₹1.59 Crore

Police said 125 complaints linked to the four cases have revealed suspected fraud amounting to approximately ₹1.59 crore. The recovery operation led to the seizure of eight mobile phones, eight ATM cards, cash, cheque books, passbooks, a point-of-sale (POS) machine and a Yamaha R15M motorcycle.

Authorities have also taken preventive action against four bank account holders and one postal employee. Police said ₹1.12 crore had been returned to complainants so far.

Investigators are continuing to trace other people allegedly connected to the network and examine the movement of money through the identified accounts.