Lucknow: In a major breakthrough, the Sairpur Police along with the North DCP crime team have busted an inter-district cyber fraud gang that allegedly used stolen mobile phones to drain money from victims’ bank accounts. Five accused have been arrested in connection with the case.
According to police officials, the gang targeted mobile phone thefts and then exploited banking applications and UPI services installed on the stolen devices to transfer money from victims’ accounts without their knowledge.
The arrested accused have been identified as Satendra Singh alias Ajay (Auraiya), Deshraj (Shahjahanpur), Praveen Kumar Srivastava (Hathras), Ramsumer (Hardoi), and Satyam (Auraiya).
During the operation, police recovered 15 mobile phones, 7 SIM cards, 2 ATM cards, charging devices, multi-charging cables, ₹22,260 in cash, and a Hyundai Verna car allegedly used in the crime.
The case came to light after a complaint was filed on 7 June 2026 by Saroj Kumar, a resident of Sairpur. He reported that his mobile phone was stolen, following which ₹1.36 lakh was withdrawn from his Axis Bank account and ₹54,000 from his Punjab National Bank account through unauthorized transactions.
Acting swiftly, Sairpur Police, the crime branch, and surveillance teams launched a coordinated investigation using technical evidence, CCTV footage, and intelligence inputs. The breakthrough came on 8 June when police intercepted a Hyundai Verna near Gomti Pul while it was heading towards Kisan Path.
A search of the vehicle led to the recovery of multiple stolen phones, SIM cards, ATM cards, and cash, after which all five occupants were taken into custody.
During interrogation, the accused reportedly admitted that they operated in crowded markets and public places, stealing mobile phones with active SIM cards and banking apps installed. They would then create new UPI IDs using the stolen devices and transfer money from victims’ bank accounts without authorization.
Police believe the gang was operating in a highly organised manner, combining mobile theft with digital financial fraud to target unsuspecting victims.
Investigations are underway to trace the criminal backgrounds of the accused and identify other members of the network.
Police have also issued an advisory urging citizens to secure their mobile phones with strong passwords, fingerprint or face locks, and to immediately report any theft on the national cyber helpline 1930 or the Cyber Crime Portal. Authorities also warned users not to share UPI PINs, OTPs, or sensitive banking details under any circumstances.
