Lucknow Students Acted as Bridge for Chinese Cyber Fraud Operation
Two young men pursuing BCom degrees in Lucknow found themselves behind bars this week. Police arrested them for allegedly serving as interpreters and financial coordinators for Chinese cyber fraud handlers. Their involvement enabled a massive international scam that defrauded victims of more than Rs 20 crore.
Azamgarh Cyber Police Uncover Telegram-Based Racket
The Azamgarh cybercrime police made the arrests, exposing a sophisticated Telegram-based racket with direct links to China. The operation revealed how local actors facilitated foreign criminal enterprises.
Those arrested are Abhishek Gupta, a 25-year-old resident of Jankipuram, and Shashwat Awasthi, a 24-year-old from Indiranagar. Both young men were studying commerce at the time of their alleged criminal activities.
Substantial Evidence Recovered During Searches
Police conducted thorough searches across Lucknow locations connected to the accused. Their efforts yielded significant recoveries that paint a picture of organized financial crime.
Authorities seized Rs 6.32 lakh in cash during the operation. They also recovered multiple mobile phones, various ATM cards, several cheque books, foreign SIM cards, and a luxury SUV. Digital evidence collected during the searches provided crucial insights into the scam's operations.
Deliberate Language Learning for Criminal Coordination
Investigators revealed a startling detail about the accused. Both young men deliberately learned Mandarin to communicate seamlessly with their Chinese handlers. These foreign operators controlled the fraud operations from abroad, relying on their Indian counterparts for local coordination.
A senior officer involved in the investigation explained their role clearly. "Acting as a crucial link, the Lucknow-based youths relayed instructions from Chinese handlers," the officer stated. "They managed Indian bank accounts and ensured the smooth transfer of fraud proceeds overseas."
Sophisticated Money Transfer Methods Uncovered
The financial mechanics of the operation followed a carefully designed pattern. Fraudulent money entered Indian bank accounts controlled by the racket. From there, the accused withdrew funds using ATM cards and cheques.
They then converted the rupees into USDT cryptocurrency. This digital currency moved to wallets operated by Chinese handlers, effectively moving stolen money beyond Indian borders.
Commission-Based Payment Structure Revealed
The operation maintained a clear payment hierarchy. Account holders who provided banking facilities received commissions for their participation. The interpreters received a percentage cut for each transaction they facilitated.
Police estimates suggest staggering individual involvement. One accused alone is suspected of converting and remitting between Rs 10 and 15 crore worth of funds abroad.
Deceptive Recruitment Through Telegram Groups
Investigators detailed how the scam recruited its victims. Fraudsters lured people into Telegram groups with false promises. They told participants they were working for an international e-commerce company.
The scheme offered high returns for "boosting" product visibility and market value. All activities occurred on a fake platform designed to resemble a legitimate global website.
Escalating Financial Commitments from Victims
Once trust developed through initial interactions, the manipulation intensified. Fraudsters persuaded victims to deposit money into multiple Indian bank accounts. They promised escalating profits that never materialized.
One documented case illustrates the personal impact. A victim from Azamgarh registered a complaint in September 2025 after losing over Rs 12.6 lakh. His mobile number was added to one of these Telegram groups, beginning his financial downfall.
Police confirmed that similar methods were used across multiple cases. The pattern remained consistent despite different victims and circumstances.
Investigation Expands with More Arrests Expected
The case continues to develop as investigators pursue new leads. Authorities are tracking cryptocurrency transactions and overseas links that may reveal additional participants.
Further arrests appear likely as the cybercrime police unravel the network's full extent. The international nature of the scam presents both challenges and opportunities for uncovering broader criminal connections.
