The Cyber Cell, Crime Branch, Delhi Police has successfully unearthed and dismantled a sophisticated multi-state cyber–hawala syndicate with suspected cross-border linkages during the investigation of E-FIR No. 00031/2025 (60000406/2025), registered on the complaint of a 61-year-old senior citizen, who was cheated of ₹33,10,000/- through a fraudulent online investment scheme. 

During the course of a meticulous technical and financial investigation, it was established that the cheated amount was systematically routed through multiple bank accounts operated through shell entities, prominently linked to a fictitious firm namely “BELCREST INDIA PVT. LTD.” Analysis of the banking trail established that an amount of ₹10,68,000/- was directly credited into accounts associated with the said entity.

During preliminary investigation, two key accused persons were earlier arrested from Delhi, who, during sustained interrogation, disclosed the involvement of Deepanshu as a key operator and facilitator of the said cyber–hawala syndicate. 

Thereafter, a dedicated police team comprising Insp. Ashok, SI Bhagyashri, HC Praveen, HC Rajat and HC Hiten mounted focused technical surveillance and ground intelligence to trace the whereabouts of accused Deepanshu, who was found absconding and concealing himself in Lucknow, Uttar Pradesh. After a sustained overnight pursuit, he was successfully apprehended at midnight from Mohanlalganj, Lucknow. During his arrest, two mobile phones, three cheque books and two debit cards were recovered from his possession.

During interrogation, accused Deepanshu disclosed that he was operating under the directions of his handlers, who instructed him to arrange dummy directors, create shell companies and open bank accounts in connivance with bank officials. He further revealed that the cheated funds were layered through shell entities including CSP24SEVEN Technologies and Levin Fintech, and thereafter siphoned off through hawala channels and cryptocurrency routes.

He also admitted that after coming to know about the arrest of co-accused Lakshay, he deliberately destroyed cheque books and the SIM card linked with BELCREST INDIA PVT. LTD. with the intention to cause disappearance of evidence. However, his mobile handset has been successfully recovered and has been sent for forensic examination.

Further investigation is in progress to identify and apprehend the masterminds, financial beneficiaries, hawala operators, crypto wallets and possible cross-border linkages involved in the syndicate.

OPERATION-II : During the ongoing technical surveillance and ground tracking of accused Deepanshu in connection with a multi-state cyber–hawala and online investment fraud case, the Cyber Cell team reached Lucknow, Uttar Pradesh, where Deepanshu was suspected to be hiding to evade arrest.

While conducting sustained surveillance in the Mohanlalganj area of Lucknow, the team received credible and specific intelligence inputs regarding the presence of another wanted criminal, namely Rishab Singh, who was absconding in FIR No. 140/2025, U/s 21/29 NDPS Act, registered at Police Station Special Cell, Delhi.
The input indicated that Rishab Singh was actively avoiding arrest and was operating from the same geographical area.

Acting promptly on the said intelligence, the Cyber Cell team intensified surveillance and conducted multiple discreet overnight raids in and around the suspected locations. After a continuous and sustained chase lasting approximately 24 hours, the team successfully apprehended both accused Deepanshu and wanted NDPS offender Rishab Singh from Mohanlalganj, Lucknow.

During preliminary verification and questioning at the spot, it was revealed that Rishab Singh had arranged and rented the accommodation in Lucknow where accused Deepanshu was residing while absconding. The said arrangement was made with the clear intent of providing shelter and logistical support to evade arrest, thereby facilitating concealment from law enforcement agencies. 

Further investigation is being carried out, said, Mr. Aditya Gautam, DCP, Cyber Cell, Delhi