YouTuber with 30 lakh subscribers arrested for 'cyber fraud' in Delhi

The Special Task Force (STF) of Uttar Pradesh Police arrested a Delhi-based YouTuber Isa Rahi for alleged cyber fraud, according to PTI. Having over 30 lakh subscribers on his YouTube channel 'Ishan LLB,' the accused was held from his residence in Jamia Nagar on Tuesday evening by the STF team from Lucknow. According to officials, Rahi had created a fake website of the Uttar Pradesh Madrassa Board and using it to draw viewership on his YouTube channel.

YouTuber PewDiePie scraps $50000 donation to anti-hate group

"An official of the Madrassa Education Board had approached the UP Police in June this year with a complaint about the fake website running in the name of the Madrassa board," Additional Superintendent of Police, STF, Vishal Vikram Singh said. "The matter was taken up by the cyber team of the STF which found that it was being operated by 24-year-old Rahi from Jamia Nagar in Delhi and he was picked up on Tuesday evening," Singh added.

'Ishan LLB' has 30 lakh subscribers

YouTubers creating content in vernacular languages on the rise

The initial probe revealed Rahi had purchased the domain in 2016 and had been renewing it regularly ever since. Not just that, Rahi also ripped off content from the original website of Uttar Pradesh Madrassa Board and used it on his fake website to give it an authentic look so that he could attract more viewers.

To further promote his YouTube channel, Rahi's fake website led users to "subscribe" to his YouTube channel that has over 3 million subscribers. Rahi used to upload videos like how to procure Voter ID card, Aadhaar card or driver's licence.

YouTube will remove violent, mature cartoons directed towards minors

"Rahi is a native of Bijnor district in UP. He is educated in law and has done a computer course also. His main motivation for doing this was to get more viewers and subscribers on his YouTube videos and channel. He said he has a monthly earning of around Rs 1,50,000 from Google-based advertisement through his videos," Singh said.

YouTube removes robot fighting videos, thinks that's animal cruelty

A case has been registered against Rahi under IPC sections for fraud and under the Information Technology Act at Hazratganj police station in Lucknow and further probe is underway.

(With PTI inputs)