Odisha Police Escalate Fight Against Cyber Fraud Networks
In a decisive move to combat the rising tide of cybercrime, the Odisha police have significantly intensified their crackdown on organized fraud networks that exploit mule bank accounts. The state's Director General of Police, Y B Khurania, has issued direct instructions to all Superintendents of Police (SPs) across districts, mandating them to identify and systematically dismantle these sophisticated rackets. These mule accounts, which serve as critical conduits for routing, layering, and withdrawing illicit funds, have become instrumental in a wide array of scams, including digital arrest frauds and deceptive online trading schemes.
Coordinated Strategy with Banks and National Agencies
DGP Khurania has emphasized the necessity of coordinated vigilance, directing SPs to collaborate closely with banking institutions to pinpoint hotspots where these accounts are being misused. This partnership aims to enhance detection capabilities and disrupt the financial pipelines of cybercriminals. Police investigations have revealed that mule accounts are typically opened or shared by individuals who, often lured by commissions, allow fraudsters to move illegal money through their accounts. These accounts facilitate various transactions, such as cheque withdrawals, cryptocurrency conversions, and rapid fund transfers, forming the backbone of extensive cybercrime operations.
Scammers frequently procure these accounts through social media platforms, targeting vulnerable groups like students, low-income individuals, and defunct businesses. Once acquired, the accounts are remotely controlled, making detection exceptionally challenging for authorities. Police have issued stern warnings, noting that even permitting the use of personal accounts without direct involvement in fraud can attract serious criminal liability under the Bharatiya Nyaya Sanhita and existing cyber laws.
Operation Cyber Kavach: A Special Drive Against Fraud
Under the banner of 'Operation Cyber Kavach', Odisha police have launched a special initiative aimed at identifying mule accounts while simultaneously targeting sellers of fake and pre-activated SIM cards, who play a crucial role in enabling fraudsters. In a recent development, police detected 73 mule bank accounts across various districts, registered three cases, arrested six individuals, and served legal notices on 51 suspected facilitators and account holders. This proactive approach underscores the state's commitment to curbing cyber threats.
SPs have been instructed to regularly analyze intelligence inputs shared by the Indian Cyber Crime Coordination Centre (I4C) under the Union Ministry of Home Affairs. Additionally, complaints registered on the National Cyber Crime Reporting Portal (NCRP) frequently highlight recurring bank accounts linked to fraud cases spanning multiple states, providing valuable leads for investigations.
Identifying Mule Accounts and Public Advisory
Police have flagged several key indicators of mule accounts to aid in their detection. These include sudden large deposits in dormant accounts, rapid credit and debit transactions, immediate cash withdrawals, frequent changes in mobile numbers or email addresses, multiple accounts operated from a single IP address, and the use of OTP-forwarding applications. By monitoring these red flags, authorities aim to preemptively disrupt fraudulent activities.
In a public advisory, Odisha police have urged citizens to exercise extreme caution and refrain from sharing sensitive banking details such as ATM cards, cheque books, UPI credentials, OTPs, or online banking access. They have specifically cautioned against falling prey to offers of easy commissions through part-time jobs, cryptocurrency deals, or work-from-home schemes that involve routing funds through personal accounts. Such schemes often serve as traps to recruit individuals into the web of cyber fraud.
This intensified crackdown reflects a broader effort to safeguard citizens from financial exploitation and strengthen cybersecurity measures in the region. With 'Operation Cyber Kavach' in full swing, Odisha police are poised to make significant strides in dismantling the infrastructure that supports cyber fraud networks.
