In a shocking development, the Kanpur Crime Branch has uncovered a high-profile cyber fraud involving two educated sportsmen — Delhi-based cricketer Vivek Sharma and Punjab wrestler Anuj Tomar. The duo allegedly conned 35 victims across India, siphoning over Rs60 lakh under the pretense of increasing credit card limits.
Police recovered four luxury cars, laptops, mobile phones, a cricket kit, bats, and other electronic gadgets from their possession. Both suspects were remanded to 14 days of judicial custody after appearing in court.
Vivek Sharma holds a B.Tech degree, while Anuj Tomar has an MBA. Previously employed at a multinational firm in Singapore, the pandemic-induced job losses reportedly pushed them toward cybercrime.
According to DCP (Crime) Atul Kumar Srivastava, the duo impersonated bank officials or credit card representatives, tricking victims into sharing OTPs or clicking phishing links, allowing them to drain funds from their accounts.
Investigations show Vivek Sharma spent Rs1.23 lakh on cricket gear to pursue his IPL ambitions. Anuj Tomar maintained a Rs30,000/month luxury flat in Mohali, complete with a premium music system and big-screen TV. Four cars registered in Vivek’s name were purchased with Anuj’s financial help.
The duo reportedly operated since 2022, defrauding victims digitally and amassing significant assets. Interstate money transfers linked to their accounts suggest a wider criminal network. Authorities are also searching for a third accomplice, believed to be the mastermind behind the operation.
Cyber Cell in-charge Shiv Kumar Sharma noted that the stolen funds were used for online purchases, deliberately routed through Delhi to be delivered in Punjab, often using friends’ or relatives’ addresses to mislead investigators.
