An interstate cyber fraud syndicate that allegedly deceived insurance buyers out of their savings using online search promotions and fabricated documents has been busted in Uttar Pradesh. A joint operation carried out by the Crime Branch and the Cyber Crime police station in Ghaziabad led to the apprehension of seven individuals connected to the racket. Initial findings indicate that the group has defrauded unsuspecting policyholders of over Rs 40 lakh so far. Those taken into custody have been identified as Neeraj Bhati, Neeraj Solanki, Vikram Singh, Nitin, Sushil Kumar, Rahul Kumar, and Vikrant Singh. During the raid, investigators recovered 4 mobile phones, 2 ATM and debit cards, 2 chequebooks, one bank passbook, and Rs 3000 in cash.
Plot Hatched Behind Prison Walls
Interrogation of the suspects revealed unexpected origins of the criminal operation. The primary mastermind directing the network has been identified as Deepak Khanna, also known by the alias DJ. Originally a resident of Ghaziabad, Khanna had shifted his base to Uttarakhand. His association with co-accused Rahul Kumar originated while both were serving time inside Dasna Jail in Ghaziabad. Following their release from prison, the two conspired to launch a structured cyber fraud racket to generate quick income.
Deploying Tactics Learned at an Illicit Call Centre
The network gained operational expertise through other syndicate members, namely Neeraj Bhati, Neeraj Solanki, and Vikrant Singh. The trio previously worked at a call centre based in Delhi, where they gained firsthand experience in deceiving individuals under the pretext of insurance renewal. After law enforcement conducted a raid on that Delhi facility, the three fled to evade custody. Rahul subsequently introduced them to Deepak Khanna, integrating their call-handling methods into the broader scam.
Deceptive Search Ads and Fabricated Certificates
The group relied on an elaborate sequence of steps to ensnare prospective victims. Operatives generated fraudulent email addresses and placed promotional adverts via Google Ads impersonating reputed insurance companies. When vehicle and health policyholders seeking renewals phoned the contact numbers displayed in these advertisements, callers were promised substantial discounts on their premium amounts. Once money was deposited into the syndicate's bank accounts, the suspects used photo editing software to create counterfeit policy certificates and emailed them to the customers.
Commission Structure for Procuring Bank Accounts
To obscure the financial paper trail, the network enlisted outside accounts through monetary incentives. Accused Vikram Singh, known as Vicky, disclosed during questioning that he lured acquaintances into opening bank accounts and forwarded the credentials to Deepak Khanna. For this facilitator role, Vicky received a 5 percent cut of the defrauded amount, while the actual account holder was also paid a 5 percent commission. Alongside his personal accounts, Vicky supplied a total of 6 accounts belonging to associates Nitin and Sushil.
Complaints Surface Across Multiple States
Investigating officers noted that the syndicate had been operating continuously over the past 4 months. Records on the National Cyber Crime Reporting Portal (NCRP) show multiple cases registered against this network by victims residing in states such as Kerala and Jharkhand. A single mobile number registered to Neeraj Bhati alone has been flagged in numerous complaints originating from Kerala. Law enforcement teams are continuing their probe into supplementary bank accounts, financial transactions, and additional accomplices, while actively tracking the fugitive ringleader Deepak Khanna.
