Kanpur Police on Wednesday (May 6) night arrested Mahfooz, the alleged mastermind of a massive hawala racket linked to illegal transactions worth around ₹1,600 crore.
Police say Mahfooz ran the network for years. He used poor street vendors, rickshaw pullers, and daily wage workers to open fake bank accounts. He collected their documents by promising to help them get loans. After opening the accounts, he allegedly used them to move huge amounts of illegal money through the banking system.
The racket came under the spotlight during the investigation of a ₹24 lakh robbery in Kanpur on February 16. As police traced the money trail, they uncovered a much bigger network of fake accounts and illegal transfers.
Poor People Used as Fronts
According to investigators, Mahfooz’s syndicate worked in a planned and deceptive way. His associates approached poor people and convinced them to hand over identity papers. The gang then opened bank accounts in their names.
Police records show that these accounts handled transactions worth nearly ₹1,600 crore. Officers believe some bank employees also helped the network operate smoothly.
Police have already arrested several accused persons in the case. However, Mahfooz had managed to stay out of reach for a long time. He faces five serious criminal cases in Kanpur.
Hideout in Kolkata
During his escape, Mahfooz reportedly stayed at his in-laws’ house in Kolkata. Sources say his in-laws had close links with leaders of the Trinamool Congress (TMC), which helped him remain hidden.
Investigators believe Mahfooz recently felt unsafe in West Bengal because of changing political conditions. Fearing arrest, he returned to Kanpur. Police had already laid a trap and arrested him soon after his arrival.
Police Search for Family Members and Bank Links
ACP Abhishek Pandey said police are questioning Mahfooz to map his movements during the period of absconding. Kanpur Police had also contacted Kolkata Police to track his location.
Police are now searching for Mahfooz’s wife, son, and brother-in-law. Investigators also continue to examine the role of bank officials who may have helped open and operate the fake accounts.
Officers believe Mahfooz’s arrest could expose one of the biggest hawala networks uncovered in Kanpur in recent years.
