Bihar Police Bust International Cyber Fraud Ring Routing Crypto to China

Bihar Police’s Cyber Crime and Security Unit, in coordination with the Patna Cyber Police Station, has dismantled an alleged international cyber fraud and money laundering network accused of routing proceeds from online scams through cryptocurrency to overseas handlers.

Police arrested four suspected members of the network during a coordinated operation. Investigators allege the group collected money obtained through cyber frauds across India, channelled it through multiple bank accounts, and converted the funds into cryptocurrency before transferring them to contacts based in China.

Four Arrested, Transactions Worth ₹14.67 Crore Under Investigation

The arrested individuals have been identified as Gautam Gambhir, Bivan Kumar, Tanay Singh, and Sumit Raj.

According to investigators, a preliminary forensic examination of bank accounts linked to the suspects found transactions exceeding ₹14.67 crore over a six-month period. Officials believe the network used a web of bank accounts to move and conceal illicit funds before converting them into digital assets.

Police said the financial trail indicates a sophisticated operation involving multiple layers of transactions designed to make tracing the money more difficult.

Probe Focuses on Cryptocurrency Trail

Investigators allege that funds obtained through online fraud schemes were first deposited into bank accounts controlled by the network before being converted into cryptocurrency using peer-to-peer trading channels.

Authorities claim the digital assets were then transferred to individuals located in China, allowing the proceeds to move beyond India’s conventional banking system.

Given the suspected cross-border movement of funds, Bihar Police said the case will also be referred to the Enforcement Directorate (ED) for investigation under anti-money laundering laws. Officials expect the federal agency to examine the international financial links and identify additional individuals involved in the alleged network.

Electronic Devices and Banking Documents Seized

During searches conducted at multiple locations, police recovered several items believed to have been used in the operation, including:

• Four mobile phones
• Six bank passbooks
• Thirteen ATM cards
• Ten cheque books
• Eight SIM cards
• Six rubber stamps allegedly linked to shell businesses
• A QR code used for digital payments

Investigators are conducting forensic analysis of the seized electronic devices and financial records to identify additional bank accounts, cryptocurrency wallets, and possible associates connected to the case.

Banking Officials Also Under Investigation

Police stated that the investigation has expanded to examine whether bank employees assisted in opening accounts allegedly used by the network.

According to officials, more than 10 banking professionals are being investigated for suspected involvement in facilitating account creation and other banking processes.

Investigators are reviewing accounts opened across 22 bank branches, including branches of major public and private sector banks, to determine whether internal procedures were bypassed or misused.

Authorities have also identified several locations in and around Patna, including Barh and Bakhtiyarpur, as areas requiring closer scrutiny during the ongoing investigation.

Police Warn Against Sharing Bank Accounts

Alongside the investigation, Bihar Police highlighted the growing use of mule accounts in cybercrime operations. Officials warned that criminals often persuade individuals to share bank accounts, ATM cards, UPI credentials, or internet banking access in exchange for commissions.

Police cautioned that knowingly allowing personal banking facilities to be used for illegal financial transactions can attract criminal liability under Indian law.

Authorities also disclosed that they are investigating separate complaints involving unauthorized withdrawals from bank accounts in which victims allegedly lost money without receiving transaction alerts or one-time passwords (OTPs). Those cases remain under investigation.

The cybercrime probe is continuing, and officials indicated that further arrests and financial investigations are expected as forensic analysis progresses and additional links to the alleged international network are examined.