Major Cyber Fraud Operation Uncovered in Uttar Pradesh

In a significant crackdown, Uttar Pradesh Police has dismantled a large cyber fraud operation, rescuing around 300 unemployed individuals who were lured with false job promises. The operation, part of the 'Cyber Vajra' initiative, led to the arrest of 19 suspects, including the mastermind. The gang operated under a fake company, exploiting vulnerable youths across several states. Authorities are continuing their investigation into the financial dealings of the suspects, revealing transactions worth crores. This operation highlights the ongoing issue of cyber fraud targeting job seekers.

By Narendra Chaudhary Jul 11, 2026, 12:41 IST

Uttar Pradesh Police Busts Large-Scale Cyber Fraud Ring

The Cyber Crime Unit of Uttar Pradesh Police, along with Varanasi police, has successfully dismantled a significant fraudulent operation as part of the statewide 'Cyber Vajra' initiative. Authorities conducted a raid on a fake training center, rescuing nearly 300 unemployed youths from various states who had been lured there with the promise of jobs but were instead held captive and forced into a web of deceit.

During this operation, police apprehended 19 suspects, including the mastermind behind the interstate cyber scam.

According to police reports, the accused were running an illegal multi-level marketing (MLM) and pyramid scheme. They deceived unemployed individuals from multiple states by promising job opportunities and charging exorbitant registration fees.

Details of the Fraudulent Scheme

DCP (Crime) Neetu Kadyan revealed that the gang operated under a fictitious company named 'Mahadev Enterprises' and falsely claimed to be a franchise of 'Royal Health Wellness Private Limited.' The suspects allegedly targeted unemployed youths from states like Bihar, Jharkhand, and Madhya Pradesh, enticing them with offers of office jobs in Varanasi, positions at Tata companies, or agricultural work, promising salaries of ₹25,000 per month.

These individuals were summoned to Varanasi, where they were taken to a professionally designed corporate office for interviews. Subsequently, they were asked to pay a joining or registration fee ranging from ₹30,000 to ₹35,000. In return, they received basic kits containing items like clothing, oil, and soap, valued at only ₹1,000 to ₹2,000.

Psychological Manipulation and Threats

The police allege that after joining, recruits were sent to a training center where they were psychologically manipulated and encouraged to aspire for a luxurious lifestyle. They were pressured to recruit at least three relatives or friends into the network. Those who failed to do so faced threats of non-payment of salaries and refusal to refund their money.

Connections to Cyber Fraud

Officials indicated that this racket is also linked to cyber fraud. So far, five complaints have been filed against the accused on the National Cyber Crime Reporting Portal (NCRP), along with four additional written complaints from victims, bringing the total to nine.

Preliminary investigations into the gang's bank accounts revealed transactions amounting to approximately ₹4 crore over the past year, with a detailed examination of financial activities currently underway. During the operation, police seized 20 mobile phones of various brands, including Android devices and an iPhone 17 Pro, along with SIM cards and IMEI records. These devices contained chats and audio recordings related to the alleged fraud. Additionally, an ASUS laptop, two vehicles, ₹4,020 in cash, nearly ₹1 lakh in bank deposits, and numerous corporate documents linked to Mahadev Enterprises were confiscated.

Arrests and Ongoing Investigation

Among those arrested is the alleged mastermind, Deepak Kumar Shah (31), a resident of Jamui district in Bihar. Alongside him, 18 others from Bihar, Uttar Pradesh, and Madhya Pradesh were also taken into custody. The police have stated that further investigations are ongoing.