In a major breakthrough, the Noida unit of the Uttar Pradesh Special Task Force (STF) has arrested six individuals allegedly linked to hoax bomb threat emails sent to 20 schools in the district last month. Investigators traced the emails—initially routed through US servers—to a house in Bisrakh, where an illegal online betting operation was being run.
The arrests come weeks after schools received alarming emails on January 23, just days ahead of Republic Day, triggering large-scale security sweeps across campuses.
Threat Emails Sparked Panic Before Republic Day
According to STF officials, nearly 20 schools received bomb threats via email, prompting emergency checks by police teams, bomb disposal squads, dog squads and the fire department. The threats were later confirmed to be hoaxes.
A case was registered at Surajpur police station under relevant sections of the Bharatiya Nyaya Sanhita (BNS) and Section 66 of the IT Act.
Emails Routed via US and Bangladesh Servers
The probe initially led investigators to US-based servers. However, deeper technical scrutiny revealed that the email account was connected to a recovery email originating in Bangladesh. This trail ultimately led police to a rented house in Bisrakh.
During a raid conducted on Friday, STF personnel found nearly 30 individuals operating from the premises. Six suspects were detained and later arrested.
Illegal Betting Operation Busted
Police said the accused were running an online betting racket using fake email IDs, VoIP numbers and VPNs to mask their location. They allegedly posed as tech support executives for betting apps and duped victims from India, the United States and Nepal.
The accused accepted payments in cryptocurrency and allegedly routed funds through hawala channels.
Electronic items seized during the operation include:
●4 laptops
●22 mobile phones
●16 debit and credit cards
●2 Nepalese passports
●Identity documents and cheque books
●Rs 19,500 in cash
Three of the arrested individuals are Nepalese nationals.
Key Accused and App Connection
Police said one of the accused had co-founded a gaming app named “Gamemano” in 2023. Others joined through professional and social media connections. Some of the accused reportedly hold BBA and MBA degrees and had international exposure.
Officials confirmed that the recovery email used to send the bomb threats was logged into from one of the seized mobile phones. However, the motive behind sending the hoax emails is still under investigation.
