In a major breakthrough, Uttar Pradesh police have uncovered a sophisticated identity fraud racket. The suspects were allegedly responsible for tampering with biometric data of over 1,500 Aadhaar cardholders across 12 states. The operation, which had been running from Badaun and Amroha, exploited loopholes in the UIDAI system. It involved a network of agents who collected documents for illegal updates.
The police team, under the supervision of SP Sambhal Krishna Kumar Bishnoi and ASP Anukriti Sharma, arrested four key suspects: Ashish Kumar, Dharmender Singh, Raunak Pal, and Kasim Hussain. Furthermore, these individuals, all in their 20s, were charged with identity theft, cheating, unauthorized access to protected systems, and possession of counterfeit seals under relevant sections of the Aadhaar Act, IT Act 2016, and Passport Act 1967.
How the Gang Exploited UIDAI Loopholes for Fake Documents
The gang operated a well-organized network supported by 200-300 agents spread across multiple states, including Uttar Pradesh, Madhya Pradesh, Andhra Pradesh, Tamil Nadu, Punjab, West Bengal, and Delhi. Furthermore, these agents collected documents from clients seeking illegal updates to their Aadhaar details. This included details such as name, address, date of birth, and mobile number. In exchange for these services, they charged between Rs 2,000 and Rs 5,000.
“Over 1,500 Aadhaar cards were found to have been tampered with, and at least 400 supporting documents which involved fraudulent changes to birth dates or mobile numbers. Investigators also uncovered attempts to manipulate ration card data, with names and addresses altered using the same forged biometric access,” said ASP Anukriti Sharma.
Mastermind Behind the Aadhaar Fraud Operation
Ashish Kumar, a BTech dropout, was at the center of the operation. According to the police, Kumar masterminded the technical side of the scam, creating counterfeit websites mimicking official Aadhaar and Passport Seva portals. These fake websites allowed retailers to input fraudulent data and generate fake documents, including passports. Access to these platforms was sold for a fee.
Once fraudulent data was entered into these fake sites, the gang exploited the UIDAI system to upload this data as genuine by cloning credentials of authorized Aadhaar operators. They used advanced software to bypass geo-fencing restrictions, allowing them to upload tampered biometric data remotely.
Manipulating Fingerprint Scanners for Fake Biometric Data
Kasim Hussain, a co-accused, allegedly played a key role in modifying fingerprint scanners to accept fake silicone-molded fingerprints. Furthermore ,these fingerprints were created using impressions taken from real Aadhaar operators and unsuspecting individuals from economically-weaker sections.
“The scanners were manipulated to appear as if a legitimate operator was conducting the biometric scan,” said ASP Sharma. “This allowed them to bypass Aadhaar’s real-time biometric locks.”
From Aadhaar Fraud to Fake Documents and Passports
As the investigation progressed, police discovered that the gang had expanded its forgery activities. Specifically, they began creating fake birth certificates and ration cards to support the altered Aadhaar details. After stricter verification norms came into play in December 2024, the gang changed tactics. They began using forged documents on third-party portals to create more than 20 fake passports, several of which were successfully validated by UIDAI.
This massive identity fraud operation has raised significant concerns about the security of the Aadhaar system. And therefore, the need for stronger safeguards to prevent such illegal activities.
Source: Times Of India
