In a significant crackdown on cybercrime, the Gujarat CID Crime Cyber Centre of Excellence has dismantled a sophisticated interstate fraud network that allegedly duped victims of over ₹53 crore. The operation led to the arrest of 10 accused from Anand and Ahmedabad districts, marking a major success in the fight against digitally enabled financial crimes.
According to officials, the network was connected to as many as 132 cybercrime complaints registered across nearly 20 states, highlighting the widespread reach and scale of the operation. The case has also unveiled a disturbing trend — the possible use of mule bank accounts not just for cyber fraud but also in larger organised criminal activities.
A New Dimension: Mule Accounts and Organised Crime
Investigators revealed a startling link during the probe. One of the accused had allegedly provided a mule bank account that was connected to a separate organised crime case involving the murder of former politician Baba Siddique. This marks the first instance where law enforcement agencies have found indications that such accounts may serve as a financial backbone for both cyber fraud and serious criminal operations.
Modus Operandi of the Network
The gang primarily operated by luring individuals into renting out their bank accounts in exchange for a commission. These accounts — commonly referred to as “mule accounts” — were then used to channel illicit funds generated through various scams, including fake investment schemes, UPI fraud, and bogus trading platforms.
Using advanced technical surveillance, investigators tracked down key operatives who managed the movement of money across multiple accounts. Analysis of seized mobile phones revealed a network of 197 bank accounts, with at least 60 actively used for illegal transactions.
Authorities estimate that around ₹53.55 crore was routed through these accounts in cyber fraud cases reported nationwide.
Nationwide Spread of the Fraud
The network had tentacles across multiple states. Gujarat reported the highest number of complaints (22), followed by Karnataka (14), Maharashtra (13), and Uttar Pradesh and Kerala (10 each). Several other states also recorded cases linked to the racket, underscoring its pan-India footprint.
Arrests and Seizures
The arrested individuals hail from regions including Petlad, Borsad, Kheda, Mahudha, and Ahmedabad. During the operation, police seized 11 mobile phones, bank-related documents, cheque books, debit cards, and other financial records crucial to the investigation.
Officials confirmed that the crackdown is part of an ongoing initiative titled “Operation Mule Hunt,” spearheaded by the Cyber Centre of Excellence to curb the misuse of banking infrastructure in cybercrime.
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