Chandigarh Police Cracks Down on Bank Account Rental Racket
Chandigarh Police made a significant breakthrough on Monday. Their Cyber Crime Cell arrested ten people in connection with a sophisticated financial fraud operation. These individuals allegedly rented their personal bank accounts to cyber criminals. They facilitated illegal money transfers and withdrawals for a commission.
Operation Mule Hunt Exposes Organized Network
Deputy Superintendent of Police A Venkatesh from the Cyber Crime unit provided details. He stated the arrests occurred under Operation Mule Hunt. This initiative by the Chandigarh Cyber Crime police station uncovered a well-organized network. The network was actively facilitating digital arrest scams and part-time job frauds across the region.
Inspector Eram Rizvi, the Station House Officer, explained how the case unfolded. Critical information arrived from the I4C portal managed by the Union Ministry of Home Affairs. Analysis of this data revealed a troubling pattern. Several bank accounts operating in Chandigarh were linked to fraud complaints registered in other states through the NCRP/I4C portal.
These accounts functioned as mule accounts. Their primary purpose was to route stolen money obtained through various cyber fraud schemes. The accused reportedly provided their bank details to unidentified handlers. These handlers then used the accounts for illegal fund transfers, cheque withdrawals, and complex multi-layered transactions. The goal was to conceal the original source of the fraudulent proceeds. In return for this service, the account holders received monetary commissions.
Details of the Arrests and FIRs
Police officials confirmed the arrests stem from four separate First Information Reports (FIRs). The cases are numbered 11, 12, and 13 of 2026, along with FIR number 109 dated September 8, 2025. Authorities registered these cases under relevant sections of the Bharatiya Nyaya Sanhita. The charges relate to organised criminal activity and cheating.
In FIR number 11, police apprehended three individuals. Ritik (22) and Rythem (20), both residents of Mauli Jagran, and Akash (25) from Mohali were found operating mule bank accounts. During questioning, Ritik admitted that unknown persons transferred large sums into his account. He then converted this money into cryptocurrency using the Binance platform before initiating further transfers. Akash confessed he allowed his account to be used after receiving assurances about crypto transactions. He received Rs 10,000 as payment for his involvement.
Police stated the trio engaged in a criminal conspiracy. They knowingly received, layered, and concealed proceeds from cyber fraud.
FIR number 12 involved three more arrests. Mohamad Danish (22) of Mauli Jagran, Charandas (20) of Sector 25, and Archit (25) of Sector 41 B admitted their roles. They knowingly permitted their bank accounts to be used for initial fund transfers and subsequent cash withdrawals. They did this in exchange for commission payments. Authorities classified their actions as serious financial and cyber crimes.
Similarly, in FIR number 13, police took Mohammad Toshik (26) of Sector 45, Burail, and Dilpreet Singh (21) of Faida Nizampur into custody. Both confessed that unidentified individuals deposited large amounts into their accounts. They later withdrew these funds via cheques, keeping a portion as their cut.
The final case, FIR number 109 of 2025, led to the arrest of Ankit (23) from Jagatpura, Mohali, and Rohan Dubay of Chandigarh. Investigations found them operating similar mule accounts. They facilitated illegal withdrawals and fund transfers of fraudulently obtained money.
Sophisticated Money Laundering Techniques Uncovered
Superintendent of Police Geetanjali Khandelwal from the Cyber Crime unit commented on the operation's findings. She confirmed the accused participated in a criminal conspiracy. Their actions involved knowingly receiving, withdrawing, layering, and concealing cyber fraud proceeds.
Investigations revealed sophisticated methods to hide the money trail. Fraudulent funds were routed through multiple account layers to avoid detection by authorities. In some instances, the accused converted the stolen money into cryptocurrency. This step further obscured the financial trail, making it harder for law enforcement to track.
Police emphasized that their work is not complete. Further investigation is currently underway. Officers are actively working to trace the main handlers and ultimate beneficiaries behind this extensive fraud network. The crackdown highlights ongoing efforts to combat digital financial crimes in the region.
