The case came to light after a local youth, Mandeep Soni, was questioned by a bank official over suspicious transactions amounting to ₹57 lakh in his newly opened account. Soni, who works at a mobile shop, had allowed the account to be opened after being promised a business loan.

According to police, the accused first gained victims’ trust by arranging VIP darshan at Khatu Shyam temple for as little as ₹100. After establishing rapport, they offered assistance in securing large loans or employment. Victims were persuaded to open fresh bank accounts, activate new SIM cards, and hand over passbooks, Aadhaar, PAN details and ATM credentials. These accounts were later used to move cyber fraud proceeds, largely generated through online gaming scams, to foreign destinations including Dubai.

Umri police station in-charge TI Shivpratap Singh Rajawat said the five arrested men were facilitators who collected bank accounts from across Bhind district. During interrogation, the accused revealed the names of two local agents—one from Umri and another from Etawah—who allegedly helped open accounts of more than 15 youths.

Soni told police he became suspicious only after visiting the bank to inquire about the loan status. “The manager asked me about large transactions. When he said ₹57 lakh had moved through my account, I realised something was wrong,” he said. The bank advised him to immediately approach the police.

Investigators found similar misuse in accounts belonging to Soni’s younger brother, Badri Prasad Soni, and another youth, Chetan Srivastava. Preliminary findings show transactions of over ₹28 lakh and ₹35 lakh, respectively, through their accounts. All three accounts have since been frozen.

Police said the arrested accused were produced in Bhind after being brought from Sikar on December 27, 2025. A wider technical and financial probe is underway to trace the masterminds and the overseas money trail. Authorities have cautioned the public against sharing banking credentials or opening accounts at the behest of unknown intermediaries, warning that even unknowing participants can face legal scrutiny.