₹14.46 Crore Cyber Fraud in the Name of Government Schemes: Gangster Act Invoked Against ‘Sippa Gang’

In a major crackdown on organised cybercrime, police in Meerut have invoked the Gangster Act against six members of the alleged “Sippa Gang,” accused of running a large-scale cyber fraud network involving government scheme impersonation and financial scams worth approximately ₹14.46 crore.

Authorities say the case highlights a sophisticated criminal network that exploited public trust in welfare programs to carry out nationwide cyber financial fraud.

Victims Lured Using Fake Government Scheme Benefits

According to investigators, the gang targeted vulnerable individuals, particularly from rural and economically weaker backgrounds, by falsely promising benefits under schemes such as:

• Pradhan Mantri Awas Yojana
• Jan Dhan Yojana

Victims were allegedly convinced to open bank accounts under the impression they would receive government assistance or commissions. Once created, the gang is accused of taking control of sensitive banking materials including:

• Debit cards
• Passbooks
• Cheque books
• Mobile phones
• Identity documents

Authorities believe these accounts were later used for cyber fraud and illegal financial transactions across multiple states.

Key Accused and Organised Network Structure

Police have identified Asif alias “Sippa,” a resident of Muzaffarnagar, as the alleged mastermind of the operation. Several other individuals have also been named in the FIR, including:

• Zamir alias Jameel
• Naushad
• Talib
• Akbar
• Taseen Ali

Investigators claim the group operated as a structured syndicate, coordinating financial fraud through multiple digital and banking channels.

Shell Companies Used to Launder Illicit Funds

Police say the gang created fake or shell companies to disguise illegal transactions and route fraudulent proceeds through seemingly legitimate business activities.

Reportedly identified entities include:

• “TS Garment” linked to transactions exceeding ₹1.24 crore
• “NS Readymade Garment” tied to suspicious financial flows
• “SA Chaudhary Garment,” allegedly operated by the main accused

Authorities estimate that the gang’s fraudulent activities may have generated nearly ₹14.46 crore, though the final figure could increase as forensic audits continue.

International Links and Online Gaming Fraud Allegations

The investigation has also uncovered possible international connections. Officials claim the alleged mastermind spent several years working abroad in Kuwait, where he reportedly came into contact with individuals linked to technical development networks.

Police further allege that the group helped develop an illegal online gaming platform named “Anna Ready,” which was used to lure users into fraudulent investment and betting schemes.

Investigators are now examining whether proceeds from these platforms were transferred overseas through illegal channels.

Asset Seizure and Financial Tracking Underway

Authorities have begun tracing assets allegedly purchased using proceeds of crime. These include:

• Luxury vehicles such as Hyundai Verna and Tata Punch
• Residential property and land holdings
• Other high-value assets linked to accused individuals

Officials are also investigating claims of identity fraud, including the use of forged PAN cards, fabricated documents, and manipulated GST registrations to conceal criminal activity.

Police Probe Expands Across States

Investigators believe the cyber fraud network may extend beyond Uttar Pradesh, with potential links to other states and international actors.

Authorities are currently reviewing:

• Bank transaction histories
• Digital payment trails
• Online gaming platform logs
• Communication records between suspects
• Shell company financial data

Officials have indicated that more arrests and asset seizures may follow as the investigation progresses.

Conclusion

The invocation of the Gangster Act against the “Sippa Gang” marks a significant escalation in India’s fight against organised cybercrime. With financial fraud, identity manipulation, and suspected international links under investigation, authorities are working to dismantle what appears to be a multi-layered cyber fraud ecosystem operating across borders.