NEW DELHI: The Delhi Police has busted a multi-state cyber hawala syndicate with suspected cross-border linkages and arrested a key member from Lucknow, officials said on Monday.
The syndicate came to light during the investigation of a complaint filed by a 61-year-old man who was cheated of Rs 33.10 lakh through a fraudulent online investment scheme, a senior police officer said.
During the probe, it was found that the defrauded amount was systematically routed through multiple bank accounts operated using shell entities. These transactions were prominently linked to a fictitious firm, Belcrest India Pvt. Ltd. Analysis of the banking trail revealed that `10.68 lakh was directly credited into accounts associated with the said entity.
Earlier, two key accused were arrested from Delhi. During interrogation, they disclosed the role of Deepanshu as a key operator and facilitator of the cyber–hawala syndicate. Acting on this information, police tracked Deepanshu to Lucknow.
“Deepanshu was found hiding in Mohanlalganj area of Lucknow and was nabbed following a coordinated operation. Two mobile phones, three cheque books and two debit cards were recovered from his possession,” Deputy Commissioner of Police (Crime) Aditya Gautam said.
During questioning, Deepanshu revealed that he was operating under the instructions of his handlers, who directed him to arrange dummy directors, create shell companies and open bank accounts in connivance with bank officials. He further disclosed that the cheated funds were layered through multiple shell entities, including CSP24SEVEN Technologies and Levin Fintech, before being siphoned off through hawala channels and cryptocurrency routes, the officer said.
Deepanshu also admitted that after learning about the arrest of co-accused Lakshay, he destroyed cheque books and the SIM card linked to Belcrest India Pvt. Ltd. in an attempt to cause disappearance of evidence. However, his mobile handset was successfully recovered and has been sent for forensic examination, the DCP Gautam further said.
Police revealed that Rishab had arranged and rented the accommodation in Lucknow where Deepanshu was residing while evading arrest
Further investigation is underway to identify and apprehend the masterminds, financial beneficiaries, hawala operators, crypto wallets and possible cross-border links associated with the syndicate.