Nigerian Nursing Student Arrested as Police Uncover Major Cyber Fraud Racket in India
Police in Meerut, Uttar Pradesh, India, have uncovered a significant cyber fraud operation involving Nigerian students, leading to the arrest of one suspect identified as Saifu Mayana Umar, an MSc Nursing student. According to local media reports, victims across the country were deceived with promises of investments in foreign companies and the stock market.
Organized Network Targeting Victims
Investigators have established direct links between the gang and at least 16 cyber fraud cases so far. Umar, along with associates including Yusuf and other Nigerian nationals, had created an organized network to target unsuspecting individuals. The gang lured people with assurances of high returns through investments in foreign firms and stock trading. Once victims transferred their money, the funds were swiftly withdrawn through multiple bank accounts and ATMs to evade detection.
Financial Traces and Investigation Details
Authorities have traced transactions worth approximately ₹45 lakh in Umar’s bank account, which are believed to be connected to 16 fraud cases reported primarily from southern states. Complaints in all these instances were filed on the National Cyber Crime Reporting Portal, prompting alerts and the sharing of suspicious bank account details with local authorities.
During the investigation, cyber teams from multiple states became involved. Units from Telangana and Tamil Nadu directly coordinated with the Meerut police, providing crucial inputs that led to Umar being apprehended from his hostel. Police interrogation has yielded significant leads, and efforts are now focused on identifying and tracing other members of the network.
Evidence Recovery and Forensic Examination
Search operations resulted in the recovery of several items from the accused, including a laptop, five ATM cards, two bank passbooks, a SIM card, a passport, a Union Bank cheque book, and two mobile phones. The police have sent the electronic devices for forensic examination to uncover digital evidence and map the broader network.
Investigators also discovered that one of the accused had destroyed certain banking documents before the police raid in an attempt to eliminate evidence. However, some financial records were recovered and are currently under detailed scrutiny. Authorities have additionally sought transaction records from banks to trace international money trails linked to the case.
Suspect Statements and Legal Proceedings
During questioning, Umar stated that part of the money deposited in his account had been transferred by his associate Yusuf and was later withdrawn. Names of other accused individuals have surfaced during the investigation and have been included in the case. The process to obtain warrants against them has been initiated, and international cooperation may be sought if necessary.
Meanwhile, Umar was later released on notice. His passport was confiscated, and he has been confined to the university hostel as the investigation continues.
