New Delhi: The Crime Branch of Delhi Police has busted a high-profile cyber fraud module with international linkages, arresting three accused involved in an organised cyber-financial racket, officials said on Sunday.

The operation was carried out by the Northern Range-1 (NR-1) team under the ongoing ‘Cy-Hawk’ cybercrime crackdown, according to an official press release.

The case stems from an E-FIR No. 53/2025 registered on December 17, 2025, under relevant sections of the Bharatiya Nyaya Sanhita (BNS) at Police Station Crime Branch, Delhi. The complaint was filed by Ranjan (56), a resident of Uttam Nagar, who alleged he was cheated of around Rs 42.5 lakh in a stock market-related cyber scam.

Investigators found that the defrauded amount was transferred into 36 different bank accounts. One transaction of Rs 3,74,065 was traced to a UCO Bank account in R K Puram, from which the money was withdrawn the same day using a cheque. The account was in the name of Sabbir Ahmed of Munirka Village.

A special team, led by Inspector Ajay Kumar Sharma under the supervision of ACP Ashok Sharma, arrested Sabbir Ahmed on January 21, 2026. During interrogation, he revealed that he had opened 9–10 bank accounts and handed over the bank kits to Md. Sarfaraz (31) and Md. Dilshad (21), both residents of Batla House, in return for a 2 per cent commission on the cheated amounts.

Sarfaraz and Dilshad were arrested on February 5, and their interrogation led to a major breakthrough. Police said both accused disclosed links with Chinese handlers and admitted to selling USDT cryptocurrency to Chinese nationals, establishing international cyber-financial connections.

The accused also confessed to arranging dummy candidates and facilitating the opening of multiple bank accounts by coordinating with bank officials. After learning of Sabbir Ahmed’s arrest, they attempted to destroy evidence by breaking SIM cards and cheque books, though the mobile phone used in the crime was later recovered.

“All three accused were previously arrested in FIR No. 45/25 dated September 25, 2025, confirming their habitual involvement in organised cyber fraud,” the release said.

Deputy Commissioner of Police Pankaj Kumar said the arrests and recovery of crucial evidence reflect the NR-1 team’s technical expertise and commitment. Further investigation is underway to identify additional accused, handlers and the broader money-laundering network linked to the racket.

IANS