In a significant crackdown on cybercrime, the Delhi Police Crime Branch has apprehended a national-level shooter for his alleged role in a sophisticated cyber fraud syndicate that duped victims of over Rs 40 lakh across multiple states. The accused, identified as Himanshu Chauhan, also known as Shooter, hails from Agra in Uttar Pradesh and has a notable background in competitive shooting, having secured silver and bronze medals at national championships and gold at state-level events in rifle categories.
Details of the Cyber Fraud Operation
According to police officials, Chauhan leveraged his extensive network to become a crucial cog in an organised cyber fraud racket. The arrest followed an FIR filed by a victim who claimed to have been cheated of Rs 40.27 lakh through fake online gaming platforms and fraudulent stock trading and IPO investment schemes. Investigators revealed that the victim was allegedly induced to transfer money via IMPS, NEFT, and UPI transactions, with a notable instance on June 20 last year where Rs 8 lakh was credited into a mule Axis Bank account linked to the syndicate.
Pan-India Footprint and Investigation
Analysis of the National Cybercrime Reporting Portal (NCRP) uncovered at least 40 complaints and two FIRs registered in Bengaluru and Mumbai against the same account, highlighting the widespread nature of the operation. The racket operated through a layered network of mule bank accounts, designed to rapidly move and disperse funds to evade detection. During sustained questioning of previously arrested individuals, it was revealed that Chauhan played a pivotal role in sourcing these mule accounts by allegedly persuading people to allow the use of their bank accounts in exchange for commissions of around Rs 1 lakh per account.
An officer stated, "He acted as a vital link between people who provided mule accounts and higher-level cyber operators." Chauhan would then pass on the account details to an associate based in Agra, who handled the onward routing and layering of funds to complicate tracking efforts. Police are actively working to trace and arrest this associate, as well as identify other members of the syndicate.
Arrest and Ongoing Efforts
Chauhan was arrested after a multi-state operation conducted by the Delhi Police Cyber Cell, based on financial trail mapping and NCRP data. DCP (Crime) Aditya Gautam explained, "A team conducted discreet surveillance at multiple locations in Agra after Chauhan repeatedly changed locations to evade arrest. Using real-time technical inputs and ground intelligence, the team eventually tracked and apprehended him." During interrogation, Chauhan allegedly confirmed his role as an intermediary in the fraud network.
Police efforts are now focused on identifying additional mule accounts, tracing the complete money trail, coordinating with other state police departments regarding linked cases, and recovering the proceeds of crime. Further investigation is underway to dismantle the entire syndicate and prevent future cyber fraud activities.
