Cracking Down on Hawala: Gaming App Scam Unearthed in Uttar Pradesh

In a significant crackdown, Uttar Pradesh Police have dismantled a sophisticated hawala syndicate that was allegedly conducting illegal financial transactions using a gaming app. The operation led to the arrest of five individuals linked to the ring, authorities confirmed.

According to Superintendent of Police Krishan Kumar, the syndicate was engaged in transferring illicit funds to Dubai through hawala channels using the app, following a complaint filed by Deendayal at the cyber police station on August 12. Deendayal reported unexplained transactions amounting to Rs 1.70 crore in his Punjab National Bank account in Chandausi, triggering the investigation.

Police investigations revealed that a gaming app was being used for online gambling, with Deendayal and his wife, Meena, unknowingly having their bank accounts managed for illegal transactions. The gang, reportedly with 500 franchises nationwide, is believed to channel the funds to Dubai. Police have arrested key figures including Rishi Pal Yadav, Amit Varshney, and Ingat Kohli, as the search for other gang members continues.

(With inputs from agencies.)