STF arrests two Nepalese nationals for digital fraud

Lucknow: The Uttar Pradesh Special Task Force (STF) arrested two Nepalese nationals in Lucknow for their involvement in a large-scale digital fraud using fake documents on Thursday night. The suspects, Saroj Khanal from Dharan and Shivram Rimal from Kathmandu, were apprehended near Saroj Hospital, Dubagga Road, while allegedly arranging a bank account for transferring scam proceeds. The duo was linked to a Chinese national, Ben, based in Nepal. They used fake identities—Rahul Kumar and Pankaj Sridhar—with forged addresses in Lucknow. The STF seized Nepalese passports, ID cards, fake Indian Aadhaar cards, and mobile phones during the arrest. Deputy SP Deepak Kumar Singh revealed the gang had been posing as senior officials from various agencies like the Police, ED, and CBI to extort victims. The fraudsters intimidated targets with threats of false legal charges and a concept called "digital arrest." Khanal and Rimal had previously collaborated with Ben in Dubai before returning to Nepal and entering the cybercrime world. Using fake Aadhaar cards, they opened bank accounts and SIM cards for scamming in India, with Ben managing their operations and expenses via cryptocurrency. STF is now investigating other members and accounts linked to the operation, with electronic devices undergoing forensic examination. A case has been filed at Para police station, and further legal actions are on.
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