Delhi Police have arrested three individuals for allegedly operating a digital piracy network that extracted and sold copyrighted UPSC coaching material through Telegram channels. The investigation was launched following a complaint from the director of an online civil services coaching platform, who alleged that thousands of premium educational videos had been illegally copied and distributed without authorisation.
According to investigators, the operation uncovered a coordinated network that allegedly used bots, anonymous messaging accounts, foreign virtual numbers and digital payment channels to profit from copyrighted educational content.
More Than 2,400 Educational Videos Allegedly Pirated
The complaint was filed by Sunil Kumar, director of a UPSC coaching platform that provides online learning through social media and a dedicated mobile application launched in 2023.
Police said the platform serves more than four lakh students and hosts over 2,500 educational videos, including both free and paid courses.
According to the complaint, more than 2,400 copyrighted videos were unlawfully extracted from the application and sold through Telegram channels, allegedly causing substantial financial and reputational losses.
Following the complaint, a case was registered at the Cyber Police Station in Delhi's North District, and a Special Investigation Team (SIT) was constituted.
Technical Investigation Leads to Three Arrests
Police said investigators conducted technical surveillance and analysed IP logs, user IDs and linked mobile numbers during the probe.
According to investigators, several accounts used in the operation were registered using virtual numbers originating from Ethiopia and Bangladesh, indicating an alleged attempt to conceal the identities of those involved.
The investigation led to the arrest of:
- Yuvraj Singh (21) from Aligarh, Uttar Pradesh, on June 5.
- Niranjan Kumar Mandal (23) from Faridabad, Haryana.
- Shubham Kumar Pandey (28) from Faridabad, Haryana.
Police allege that Yuvraj Singh extracted study material using an automated Telegram bot before selling access through various Telegram channels and receiving payments in bank accounts under his control.
Investigators further allege that Niranjan Kumar Mandal developed the Telegram bot used to extract the content, while Shubham Kumar Pandey provided internet connectivity and logistical support to facilitate the operation.
Investigation Reveals Alleged Digital Piracy Infrastructure
According to police, the accused allegedly used fake messaging platform identities, forged digital credentials and anonymous digital wallets to avoid detection.
Investigators identified multiple bank accounts and digital wallets allegedly linked to the accused. Preliminary financial analysis indicates transactions amounting to approximately ₹35 lakh, which police suspect represent proceeds generated through the unauthorised sale of copyrighted educational content.
During the investigation, police recovered:
- Four mobile phones.
- One laptop.
- Four SIM cards.
- Two bank passbooks.
- One debit card.
- One Wi-Fi router.
The seized electronic devices are undergoing forensic examination.
Wider Piracy Network Under Investigation
Police suspect the alleged operation may extend beyond a single coaching platform.
Investigators are examining whether the accused were involved in illegally extracting and distributing study material belonging to other educational institutions and coaching providers across India.
The investigation is continuing to identify additional participants, financial beneficiaries and digital infrastructure associated with the alleged piracy network.
Shunyatax Global Insight
The case highlights the growing threat of digital piracy targeting India's rapidly expanding online education sector. As coaching institutes increasingly deliver premium content through mobile applications and cloud platforms, cybercriminals are exploiting automation tools, encrypted messaging services and anonymous payment mechanisms to monetise copyrighted educational material. Strengthening digital rights management, watermarking technologies and continuous cybersecurity monitoring will be essential to protecting intellectual property in the education ecosystem.
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