Kanpur Crime Branch Uncovers ₹1,000 Crore International Fraud by Local Conmen

Kanpur, Uttar Pradesh: In a major financial scam, a group of conmen from Kanpur has defrauded foreign companies of nearly ₹1,000 crore. The Kanpur Crime Branch launched an investigation after receiving a complaint from a leading steel and iron company in the Czech Republic.

According to officials, the accused lured European companies by promising exports of steel and other products at low rates. Arvind Mahant Yadav, a resident of Naubasta, along with his associates, reportedly used his firm, Vardhman Industries in Uptron Estate, Panki, to collect payments via international trading platforms.

The complaint revealed that Arvind Yadav persuaded company officials to transfer $200,000 into his accounts at Canara Bank and Indian Bank under the pretense of an export deal. Despite receiving the payment, no goods were delivered. When company officials followed up, Arvind allegedly made excuses and avoided contact. Upon realizing the fraud, the Czech company emailed the Kanpur Police Commissionerate, prompting a full-scale investigation.

Sub-Inspector Shubham Yadav of the West Zone Crime Branch filed a named report against Arvind Yadav and his associate Ramkumar Rai from Mumbai. Further investigation revealed that funds were transferred to multiple accounts, indicating a sophisticated and large-scale fraud operation.

The Crime Branch has uncovered evidence suggesting that the accused have defrauded several European companies, with total losses estimated at around ₹1,000 crore. Four dedicated teams are currently conducting raids across Uttar Pradesh, Bihar, and West Bengal. Five accused have been taken into custody so far.

ADC P Kapil Dev Singh confirmed that the case is being investigated at the Panki police station. Officials noted that Arvind Yadav and his accomplices had created high-profile fake companies in small commercial setups, showing billion-rupee portfolios online and on paper to gain the trust of foreign firms.

The scam reportedly involved deals totaling $1 million (approximately ₹8.4 crore) with Czech company Gangela alone. Initial payments were collected, but goods were never delivered, raising suspicions and prompting the complaint that led to the ongoing investigation. Authorities say further revelations are expected as the probe continues.