Lucknow: In one of the biggest cybercrime crackdowns in Uttar Pradesh in recent years, Lucknow Police have dismantled an alleged international cyber fraud syndicate operating from the city’s prominent Summit Building in Gomti Nagar, exposing what investigators describe as a highly organised fake call centre targeting foreign nationals, particularly citizens of the United States.
The late-night operation, jointly conducted by the Crime Branch and police teams from multiple police stations, resulted in the detention of 119 individuals, including 92 men and 27 women, while two operations managers were arrested. During the raid, police recovered 100 laptops, 178 mobile phones, computers, hard disks and other digital equipment allegedly used to run the international cyber fraud racket.
Investigators believe the syndicate lured foreign victims by posing as technical support executives, banking representatives and customer service agents before defrauding them of large sums of money. Preliminary investigations indicate that the network had links extending beyond India and generated ₹35 lakh to ₹40 lakh every day through fraudulent activities.
Police are now examining the gang’s overseas connections, digital wallets, bank accounts and suspected hawalatransactions to identify the masterminds behind the operation.
The massive crackdown has drawn widespread attention across the country and has been described by many as the bust of Lucknow’s own “Mini Jamtara”, owing to the scale and sophistication of the cyber fraud network.
Who Is IPS Kiran Yadav?
The successful operation was led by IPS officer Kiran Yadav, who is currently serving as the Additional Deputy Commissioner of Police (ADCP), Crime, Lucknow Commissionerate.
A 2021-batch Indian Police Service (IPS) officer of the Uttar Pradesh cadre, Kiran Yadav has emerged as one of the state’s prominent young police officers following the high-profile cybercrime bust.
She secured All India Rank (AIR) 392 in the UPSC Civil Services Examination 2020 before joining the IPS.
Born on May 3, 1987, she belongs to Sultanpur district in Uttar Pradesh. Her father, Shatrughan Singh Yadav, is an electrical engineer based in Chandigarh, while her brother, Suraj Yadav, works as an engineer with a Canadian company.
Educational Background
Kiran Yadav has a strong academic background in commerce and finance. She holds qualifications in B.Com (Hons)and E-Commerce, and also pursued studies to become a Chartered Accountant (CA).
Before joining the Indian Police Service, she reportedly worked as an auditor under the Comptroller and Auditor General (CAG) in Punjab, giving her valuable administrative and financial experience before entering public service.
Career in Uttar Pradesh Police
Following her induction into the Uttar Pradesh cadre, Kiran Yadav served as an Assistant Commissioner of Police (ACP) in Lucknow Commissionerate.
She was later promoted as Additional Deputy Commissioner of Police (Crime), where she has been handling investigations involving organised crime, cybercrime and other major criminal cases.
The Summit Building raid is being regarded as one of the biggest operations conducted under her leadership.
How the Cyber Fraud Racket Operated
According to investigators, the accused allegedly recruited educated youngsters from different states, especially those fluent in English and capable of speaking with an American accent.
The fake call centre allegedly targeted US citizens by impersonating representatives of banks, software companies and technical support agencies. Victims were reportedly persuaded to share confidential financial details or transfer money after being falsely informed about banking, tax or computer-related issues.
Police suspect the organisation functioned as part of an international cybercrime network with financial transactions routed through multiple accounts and suspected hawala channels.
Investigation Underway
The seized laptops, mobile phones and other electronic devices are being subjected to forensic examination to identify additional members of the syndicate and trace the money trail.
Police are also investigating foreign connections, digital payment gateways, shell companies and the role of other facilitators linked to the racket.
Officials believe the investigation could lead to more arrests as they continue to unravel the wider international cyber fraud network.
