Delhi Police Busts Cyber Fraud Syndicate Using 20 Shell Companies

New Delhi, 2 January: Delhi Police has uncovered a cyber fraud syndicate that was operating 20 different companies to siphon off money earned through online scams.

The police launched Operation Cy-Hawk aimed at dismantling an organised cyber crime network. The operation targeted key links within the cyber crime syndicate, including mule account networks, cash handlers, and illegal financial channels used to launder fraudulently obtained money.

The Cyber Police Station of New Delhi district successfully exposed a shell company-run syndicate engaged in cyber fraud. The accused had opened 20 separate companies to withdraw money gained through scams.

Several hotspots in New Delhi district were identified, indicating multiple fraudulent transactions. During investigation of complaints on the NCRP portal, it was found that a bank account in New Delhi was being used to receive funds from cyber fraud.

Initial inquiry revealed the account was registered in the name of M/s Kudremukh Trading (OPC) Private Limited, located at A-1506, 15th Floor, A Wing, Statesman House, 148 Barakhamba Road, Connaught Place, New Delhi. The modus operandi suggested the account was used as a mule account to receive and transfer scammed amounts, highlighting an organised cyber crime.

Based on complaints, the Cyber Police Station of New Delhi district registered a First Information Report and began investigation. Details of the alleged account revealed it was registered under Rajesh Khanna’s name.

Further probe showed four complaints had been filed against this account. Rajesh Khanna disclosed he was made director and opened the company account on the instructions of his acquaintances Sushil Chawla and Rajesh Kumar Sharma. Both Rajesh and Sushil controlled the fund transfers. They also admitted to opening 20 more companies to withdraw the fraudulently obtained money.

The investigation found that these shell companies and mule accounts were used to channel funds from cyber frauds across India. A total of 176 NCRP cyber fraud complaints were linked to this case, involving an estimated ₹180 crore. Accounts of these shell companies reportedly transferred disputed sums at multiple levels.

During investigation, it was learned that Rajesh Khanna had passed away in Noida. Sushil Chawla and Rajesh Kumar initially cooperated but later avoided answering key questions and ignored notices sent for investigation. Suspicious chats related to company accounts were found on their phones.

Subsequently, both were arrested. Evidence and chats revealed Rajesh Khanna acted as a frontman under the direction of Sushil Chawla and Rajesh Kumar. Initial inquiry also indicated they were working for Pawan Ruiya, allegedly involved in similar cyber fraud cases in West Bengal.

Police have seized two mobile phones and one laptop as part of the investigation.

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AMT