Cyber Fraud Syndicate's Extreme Paranoia Revealed in Multi-State Bust
In a startling development in the massive ₹78-crore multi-state cyber fraud investigation, Khanna police have uncovered that the criminal syndicate operated with an extraordinary level of internal distrust. The gang not only feared law enforcement but also distrusted their own recruited mule account holders, implementing elaborate security measures to control them.
Security Guards Deployed to Shadow Mule Account Holders
Investigators discovered that the cyber fraud gang employed dedicated security personnel to physically accompany mule account holders during bank transactions. According to Khanna SSP Darpan Ahluwalia, this operational paranoia was actually a key factor in their criminal success. When fraudulent funds were transferred into a mule account, an accused individual identified as Gopal—a security guard from Jodhpur—would personally escort the account holder to the bank.
The guard maintained constant surveillance during withdrawals or online transactions, ensuring that the mule didn't attempt to steal the stolen cash for themselves before the syndicate could access it. This unusual security protocol highlights the sophisticated, albeit criminal, operational structure that enabled the gang to move substantial illicit funds across multiple states.
The 'Security Deposit' Scheme Within the Criminal Enterprise
The investigation revealed an additional layer of control through financial coercion. Mule account holders, who typically earned commissions ranging from ₹15,000 to ₹20,000 per transaction, were forced to provide substantial security deposits as insurance against potential betrayal. In one particularly striking case, an arrested accused named Rajan—who specialized in creating and selling mule accounts—reportedly had to deposit ₹11 lakh with senior gang member Mallan Rai.
This significant security deposit served as proof of loyalty before Rajan could handle high-value transactions within the criminal network. The requirement demonstrates how the syndicate mimicked corporate structures, implementing financial safeguards to prevent internal fraud within their illegal operations.
Expanding Probe into Money Movement and Concealment Methods
As the investigation continues to unfold, authorities are now focusing on how the massive ₹78 crore was moved and concealed. A substantial portion of the illicit funds was immediately converted into cryptocurrency, creating additional challenges for Indian authorities attempting to trace the money trail. This digital conversion strategy represents a sophisticated attempt to evade traditional financial tracking methods.
The secondary nexus involving accused individual Vicky Prashad has revealed at least one shell company created specifically to claim fraudulent GST credits. While police have identified 53 accounts linked to the sprawling cyber fraud operation, they have only completed thorough audits of seven accounts so far, indicating that the investigation remains in its early stages with potentially more revelations to come.
The Khanna police investigation continues to uncover the complex layers of this sophisticated criminal enterprise, revealing not just the technical aspects of the cyber fraud but also the psychological and organizational dynamics that enabled its operation across multiple Indian states.
