Police in Rae Bareli made a significant breakthrough on Tuesday. They uncovered a massive cyber fraud racket operating across multiple states. Investigators revealed that criminals siphoned over Rs 55 crore from Maharashtra. This stolen money was then routed to bank accounts in Rae Bareli district for laundering purposes.
Mastermind Uses Network of Fake Firms
The money trail led police to absconding chilli trader Shadab Ali. Authorities say he ran a multi-state network that used deceptive methods. His associates allegedly created fake companies and opened accounts in the names of poor individuals. These accounts then received proceeds from various cyber fraud activities.
Three Arrests Made, Main Accused Still Free
Cybercrime police took three people into custody on Tuesday. They arrested Tushar Sonkar, Raj Singh, and Sudhanshu Saurabh in connection with the case. However, the alleged mastermind remains on the run. Shadab Ali, a resident of Unai Paharpur village, continues to evade capture despite multiple police teams searching for him.
Additional SP Sanjeev Sinha provided details about the arrested individuals. He confirmed that Tushar, Raj, and Sudhanshu worked directly for Shadab Ali. These men gave their bank accounts to facilitate Shadab's illegal operations according to police statements.
Criminal Footprint Spreads Across States
Shadab Ali's alleged criminal activities extend beyond Uttar Pradesh borders. Cyber police confirmed that FIRs are already registered against him in two other states. Cases exist at Davanagere cyber police station in Karnataka and Bhavnagar cyber police station in Gujarat.
These cases involve provisions of the Information Technology Act along with related laws. Rae Bareli cyber police are now coordinating with authorities in both Karnataka and Gujarat. They aim to identify common operatives, shared bank accounts, and overlapping transaction patterns between the cases.
How the Fraud Network Operated
Shadab Ali operated as a well-known chilli trader with a commission agency in Naveen Mandi, Rae Bareli. Police say he specifically targeted economically vulnerable individuals who frequented the market. His victims included daily wage earners, helpers, and small traders with limited financial knowledge.
The scheme followed a systematic pattern according to investigators. First, victims received small cash incentives as lures. Then, fake firms were registered using their names without their full understanding. Current bank accounts were opened under these company names, creating channels for illegal funds.
Cyber fraud money from across India flowed into these accounts. A senior police officer explained the immediate next steps. "The funds were immediately withdrawn or transferred onwards to other accounts linked to the syndicate," he said. "Poor people were deliberately chosen so that they would not question large transactions or understand their legal implications."
Nationwide Money Trail Emerges
The Rae Bareli investigation opened up a nationwide cybercrime map. Investigators confirmed transactions linked to multiple Indian states. The money trail connected to Gujarat, Karnataka, Maharashtra, Tamil Nadu, Telangana, Rajasthan, Delhi, Haryana, and Punjab.
Earlier probes had already established substantial financial movements. Between 2024 and 2025 alone, at least ₹15 crore entered accounts held in several banks according to evidence collected.
Bank Employees Under Scrutiny
Officials revealed that employees from approximately six private banks face scrutiny. These bank staff members are suspected of facilitating the fraud network. Allegations include allowing suspicious accounts to open without proper verification.
Bank employees also allegedly failed to flag unusually large transactions. They ignored red flags connected to shell firms and mule accounts according to investigators. A departmental probe has been initiated against these banking professionals.
Police sources indicated that criminal action against erring bank staff remains a possibility. Such action cannot be ruled out as the investigation continues to unfold across multiple states.
