71 cyber fraud complaints expose Rs 1.85cr banking racket

Palapur: A cyber fraud investigation by Aravalli Cyber Crime Police uncovered an interstate money-routing racket operated through two bank accounts linked to MAA Education and Charitable Trust. The trust proprietor, Manishkumar Upadhyay, was arrested in connection with the case.

According to police, 71 complaints have been registered on the National Cyber Crime Reporting Portal (NCCRP) against two accounts in Canara Bank and Axis Bank. Preliminary investigation revealed that more than Rs 1.85 crore linked to cyber frauds committed in various states had been deposited in the two accounts.

During the probe, Upadhyay, allegedly told police that he had provided his bank account and QR code to other persons in exchange for commission. Police said he received 7% of the amount deposited into the accounts.

Investigators also found that the net banking user ID, password and OTP of the Axis Bank account had allegedly been handed over to others. In return, Upadhyay was allegedly promised a commission of Rs 25 lakh and given a cash advance of Rs 50,000.

The probe also revealed the alleged involvement of four more accused — Vishnu Thakor, Azad, Jigar Chaudhary and Sachin. Police said the accused routed fraud proceeds through multiple accounts before withdrawing cash or transferring the money online to the alleged mastermind.

Police said the accused had been active for the past nine months and were part of an organised cybercrime network that professionally routed money obtained through online frauds via multiple bank accounts.

A case has been registered under Sections 317(2) and 61(2).