Lucknow, India — September 4, 2026: Police in Lucknow have uncovered an alleged cyber-fraud money-transfer network that was reportedly being operated from a hotel room in the Kaiserbagh area.

The investigation came to light after police received information about suspicious activity at Ashirwad Hotel on Latouche Road. Officers raided Room 101 on September 3 and found several people allegedly involved in handling money connected with cyber-fraud cases.

Police arrested two adults and took four juveniles into custody during the operation. The adults were identified in reports as Ritesh Singh, 21, from Bihar, and Prince Kushwaha, 19, from Lucknow. The juveniles were dealt with through the appropriate juvenile-justice process.

Investigators allege that the group was using “mule bank accounts” to receive money generated through cyber fraud. Such accounts can be used to move illegally obtained funds through multiple transactions, making it harder to trace the ultimate recipients.

According to police findings reported in the case, money allegedly received in these accounts was withdrawn through ATMs and subsequently transferred or deposited into other accounts. The suspects reportedly received commissions for facilitating the transactions.

A major development in the investigation was the freezing of approximately ₹3.28 crore linked to six State Bank of India accounts. Authorities have also begun examining transaction records to determine the source of the money and identify additional people connected to the suspected network.

During the hotel raid, police reportedly recovered six ATM cards, mobile phones, a SIM card, a BharatPe swiping machine, bank passbooks and ₹5,600 in cash. A motorcycle allegedly used in the operation was also seized.

Police said their investigation has identified nine complaints on the National Cyber Crime Reporting Portal that are linked to accounts associated with the suspects. Investigators are now examining the financial trail and attempting to identify the alleged handlers and other members of the network.

The case highlights how cybercriminal groups can use ordinary bank accounts as temporary channels for moving fraudulent proceeds. Authorities are continuing their investigation to establish the full scale of the alleged operation.

The allegations remain subject to the ongoing investigation and court proceedings, and the accused are presumed innocent unless proven guilty.