The Uttar Pradesh Economic Offences Wing (EOW) has arrested two individuals accused of orchestrating a ₹25 lakh bank loan fraud by allegedly using forged property documents and false identity claims. The arrests come after years of investigation and repeated efforts to trace the suspects, who had reportedly been evading law enforcement.

Officials said the case involves a fraudulent cash credit loan obtained from the Kaiserbagh branch of Allahabad Bank, resulting in financial losses for both the lending institution and the property’s rightful owner.

Property Documents Allegedly Misused for Loan

According to investigators, the case originated from the disappearance of the original sale deed of a residential property located in Lucknow’s Vrindavan Yojana area. The property belongs to Manju Devi, whose documents were allegedly used without authorization.

Authorities claim the accused exploited the missing paperwork to secure a cash credit facility worth ₹25 lakh from the bank. After the loan was sanctioned, the funds were allegedly diverted, and repayment obligations were not fulfilled.

The investigation suggests that the transaction was carried out without the knowledge or consent of the property owner.

High Court Intervention Led to EOW Probe

Following a complaint regarding the alleged fraud, a criminal case was registered in 2020 at Bachhrawan Police Station in Rae Bareli district. The FIR included charges related to cheating, impersonation, forgery, and the use of forged documents.

Subsequently, the matter was transferred to the Economic Offences Wing following directions from the Allahabad High Court.

During the course of the investigation, EOW officials reportedly uncovered evidence indicating that the accused acted in coordination to obtain the loan through fabricated documents and misleading representations. Based on these findings, investigators added criminal conspiracy charges to the case.

Arrests Made After Extensive Search Operation

Officials stated that both accused had remained out of reach for an extended period and frequently changed locations to avoid arrest.

Acting on intelligence inputs, EOW teams launched a coordinated operation on June 9 and arrested the suspects from separate locations in Lucknow.

The accused have been identified as Arvind Singh, a resident of Rajajipuram, and Mohammad Salim, who also resides in the same locality. Authorities said Singh was apprehended in the Alambagh area, while Salim was arrested from Thakurganj.

Investigation May Expand Further

The Economic Offences Wing has indicated that the investigation remains ongoing. Officials are examining whether additional individuals assisted in facilitating the alleged fraudulent loan transaction or played a role in preparing forged documents.

Investigators are also reviewing financial records and related documentation to determine the complete chain of events surrounding the loan approval process.

The arrests represent a significant breakthrough in a long-pending economic offence case involving allegations of forgery, impersonation, and misuse of property records to obtain bank financing unlawfully.

Authorities have reaffirmed their commitment to pursuing financial fraud cases and ensuring accountability for those involved in banking and document-related offences.

A Delhi court has refused to grant bail to an accused arrested in connection with an alleged cyber fraud case involving financial losses of more than ₹52 lakh. The court observed that the investigation is still ongoing and noted discrepancies regarding the identity of the actual victim in the case.

The matter, being investigated by the Delhi Police Special Cell, involves allegations of online financial fraud allegedly facilitated through digital interactions that developed into a relationship of trust before substantial sums of money were transferred.

Court Questions Identity of Actual Victim

While hearing the bail application of accused Deepak Vats, the court examined records presented by investigators and highlighted that the complainant named in the First Information Report (FIR) may not have been the individual who suffered the primary financial loss.

According to the court’s observations, most of the disputed transactions were traced to bank accounts belonging to a judicial officer from Haryana. The court noted that the complainant, identified as Diksha Devi, did not appear to have made any significant digital payments related to the alleged fraud.

Based on the financial records reviewed during the proceedings, the court indicated that the judicial officer appeared to be the person directly affected by the monetary losses.

Bail Denied Amid Ongoing Investigation

The accused, arrested in February 2026, sought release on bail, arguing that the evidence collected so far did not justify continued custody.

However, the court rejected the plea, citing the seriousness of the allegations and the need for investigators to complete a detailed examination of the financial trail, digital communications, and other electronic evidence.

The judge emphasized that determining the exact movement of funds and identifying the true victim are essential aspects of the investigation and remain under scrutiny.

Digital Communications Under Examination

According to investigators, the case originated through online interactions that gradually evolved into a relationship built on trust. Prosecutors allege that these communications ultimately influenced the transfer of substantial amounts of money through multiple transactions.

During the bail hearing, the defence relied on selected WhatsApp conversations to support its arguments. The court, however, found that the messages presented did not provide a complete context of the interactions between the parties.

The court observed that isolated or one-sided digital communications could not be treated as conclusive evidence at the current stage of proceedings and were insufficient grounds for granting bail.

Authorities Probe Wider Cybercrime Angle

The Delhi Police Special Cell is continuing to analyze banking records, mobile data, electronic communications, and transaction histories to establish the complete sequence of events.

Investigators are also examining whether additional individuals may have participated in the alleged fraud and whether the case forms part of a larger cybercrime network operating through social engineering tactics.

Officials stated that further findings will emerge as forensic analysis of digital evidence progresses.

Growing Concern Over Online Trust-Based Scams

The case has once again drawn attention to the increasing use of social engineering techniques in cyber-enabled financial crimes. Fraudsters often exploit personal relationships established through digital platforms to gain victims’ confidence before requesting or inducing financial transfers.

Cybersecurity experts have repeatedly warned users to verify identities carefully and remain cautious when discussing financial matters with individuals known primarily through online interactions.

With the bail application rejected, legal proceedings against the accused will continue while investigators gather additional evidence. The outcome of the ongoing probe is expected to play a crucial role in determining the next phase.

A growing coalition of European industry groups is intensifying pressure on regulators to take decisive action against Google over allegations of unfair search practices that could reshape competition rules across the region’s digital economy.

Investigation Under Digital Markets Act Gains Momentum

The case is being examined by the European Commission under the European Union’s landmark Digital Markets Act (DMA), introduced to curb the dominance of major technology platforms and ensure fair competition.

Launched in March 2024, the investigation focuses on whether Google has been prioritising its own services in search results, potentially disadvantaging rival businesses that rely on online visibility to reach customers.

Industry Groups Demand Swift Action

Several prominent European organizations have jointly urged regulators to conclude the probe without further delay. They argue that prolonged investigations allow alleged anti-competitive practices to continue, putting European companies—especially startups—at a disadvantage.

Signatories include the European Publishers Council, the European Magazine Media Association, the European Tech Alliance, and EU Travel Tech.

In a joint statement, these groups warned that delays in enforcement are affecting innovation, profitability, and growth prospects for regional businesses competing in digital markets.

Google Denies Allegations

Google has rejected claims of bias, stating that its search algorithms are designed to deliver the most relevant and useful results to users. The company has also proposed adjustments to address regulatory concerns.

However, critics argue that these changes are insufficient and fail to address the core issue of market dominance.

Potential Billion-Euro Penalties

If found in violation of the DMA, Google could face significant financial penalties. Under EU rules, fines can reach a substantial percentage of a company’s global turnover, potentially amounting to billions of euros.

Regulators may also impose corrective measures requiring changes to business practices, which could have long-term implications for how digital platforms operate in Europe.

Wider Implications for Big Tech

The case highlights ongoing tensions between European regulators and major U.S. technology firms. In recent years, the EU has taken a more aggressive stance in enforcing competition laws, aiming to create a level playing field for local businesses.

A final ruling against Google could set a major precedent, influencing future enforcement actions and shaping the regulatory landscape for global tech companies operating within Europe.

As scrutiny intensifies, the outcome of the investigation is expected to play a critical role in defining the future of digital competition across the European Union.