Two class 12 pass-outs dupe over 120 of Rs50cr in 2 yrs, arrested from Delhi | Lucknow News
Lucknow: The Cyber Crime Cell and Krishna Nagar police arrested two highly active interstate cyber fraudsters from Delhi for allegedly cheating more than 120 individuals across multiple states of nearly Rs50 crore over the past 2 years by running fake online business firms on Saturday. The accused operated bogus interior decoration supply businesses and duped traders by offering artificial grass and other décor material at throwaway prices.Police arrested the duo, identified as Mohit Joshi (26) and Gulbir (33), from northwest Delhi. Both accused were class 12 pass-outs and ran no legitimate business operations.ACP (Cyber Cell) Saumya Pandey said that the accused created fake business identities and contacted interior decoration dealers listed on an online platform.
“Using WhatsApp accounts created on fraudulent SIM cards, they posed as large-scale traders and lured victims with promises of supplying synthetic or artificial grass at prices significantly lower than market rates,” said ACP Pandey.To gain trust, they shared downloaded product images and sent forged GST invoices and transport receipts generated through mobile applications such as GST Invoice Manager, Transport Bilty Maker and Vyapar Invoice Maker. Victims were then asked to deposit advance payments into mule bank accounts or gaming app wallets, the officer added.Once the money was transferred, the accused immediately switched off their phones, disabled WhatsApp accounts and destroyed SIM cards, effectively vanishing without delivering any goods. The case came to light after a complainant approached the Cyber Crime Cell on October 2, 2025, alleging cyber fraud involving Rs1.65 lakh. The victim stated that he was cheated after being sent fake invoices for artificial grass and a bogus travel agency bill, prompting him to transfer the advance amount. Police said that during interrogation, the accused admitted to committing similar cyber frauds in multiple states. Verification of mobile numbers recovered from them on the National Cyber Crime Reporting Portal revealed 11 complaints from 12 states, indicating cyber fraud of approximately Rs1 crore through the same modus operandi. Police believe the actual amount may be significantly higher, with estimates touching Rs50 crore over 2 years.
