Gorakhpur Reports 2,767 Cyber Fraud Cases and Rs 10.73 Crore Loss in Four Months

Gorakhpur: Cybercrime continues to escalate in Uttar Pradesh’s Gorakhpur district, with authorities recording a sharp rise in digital fraud cases in the first four months of 2026. Between January 1 and April 30, a total of 2,767 cyber fraud incidents were reported, resulting in financial losses of approximately ₹10.73 crore.

Police officials stated that coordinated intervention with banks helped freeze around ₹3.62 crore linked to fraudulent transactions.

Rapid Increase in Cybercrime Cases and Financial Damage

According to district cybercrime data, the rising number of cases reflects a continuing upward trend in online fraud activities. In addition to the 2,767 cases reported this year so far, officials noted that cybercriminals have successfully siphoned off significant sums from victims using various digital fraud methods.

In comparison, Gorakhpur recorded 5,182 cyber fraud cases in 2025, with total losses estimated at ₹27.49 crore. Police intervention during that period helped freeze approximately ₹9.37 crore through banking channels.

Despite improved recovery efforts, officials acknowledge that cybercrime incidents continue to grow, indicating the increasing sophistication and reach of fraud networks.

Mule Accounts Emerging as Key Tool in Fraud Networks

Investigations suggest that cybercriminal networks are increasingly relying on mule accounts to move and conceal stolen funds. These accounts are often opened in the names of unsuspecting individuals, particularly in rural and economically vulnerable areas.

Fraudsters reportedly lure individuals with promises linked to government schemes or small payments ranging from ₹1,500 to ₹2,000 in exchange for allowing the use of their bank accounts.

In many cases, criminals gain control over ATM cards, passbooks, and cheque books, while in others, identity documents are misused to open accounts controlled entirely by fraud networks.

Police officials stated that more than 1,700 mule accounts have already been identified in the district, though the actual number is believed to be significantly higher. These accounts play a central role in layering and laundering illegally obtained funds, making it difficult to trace the original source of money.

Action by Police: Monitoring, Arrests, and Account Blocking

Cybercrime units in Gorakhpur have intensified surveillance and enforcement measures to curb rising fraud cases. Officials confirmed that 496 ATM-related fraud incidents and 145 cheque-related cases were investigated this year.

Authorities also reviewed 136 suspicious digital locations and blocked 2,963 mobile numbers suspected of being linked to fraudulent operations.

Law enforcement agencies have registered multiple cases and arrested 28 individuals so far this year in connection with cyber fraud activities. Those arrested are reportedly linked to organized networks involved in mule account operations and digital scams.

Authorities Urge Faster Reporting and Public Awareness

Police officials emphasized that rapid reporting remains crucial for recovering stolen funds. Victims have been advised to immediately contact the national cyber helpline 1930 or report incidents through the official cybercrime portal.

Authorities have also cautioned the public against sharing sensitive banking information such as OTPs, UPI PINs, or account credentials under any circumstances.

Investigations are ongoing, with cybercrime teams continuing to analyze transaction trails, suspicious accounts, and network linkages to dismantle larger fraud syndicates operating across the region.