Odisha Police Crack Down on Organized Cyber Fraud Networks in Bhubaneswar
In a significant breakthrough against digital financial crime, the Bhubaneswar police successfully dismantled two sophisticated cyber fraud rackets during a special Cyber Kawach operation on Saturday. The coordinated raids targeted organized syndicates operating in the city, leading to multiple arrests and the seizure of crucial digital evidence.
First Syndicate Busted in Dumduma Area
Acting on specific intelligence about fraudulent activities in the Dumduma locality, police teams moved swiftly to apprehend key operatives. The primary arrestee was identified as Omkar Shankar Prajapati, who was operating alongside associates Kundan Borkate from Nagpur and Ashutosh Lenka.
Investigations revealed that this syndicate specialized in creating and utilizing mule bank accounts to route and launder illicit funds obtained through various illegal online channels. Police officials confirmed that the criminal network was actively involved in processing money from:
- Online gaming platforms
- Illegal betting operations
- Cryptocurrency trading schemes
- Gambling applications
- Other fraudulent online transactions
Deceptive Recruitment Tactics Uncovered
According to police statements, the accused employed particularly predatory tactics to recruit vulnerable individuals into their scheme. "The fraudsters specifically targeted innocent and economically disadvantaged people, especially those residing in slum areas," explained a senior police officer involved in the operation.
The modus operandi involved luring victims with promises of easy income opportunities, then collecting their banking credentials under false pretenses. The syndicate systematically gathered:
- Multiple bank account details
- ATM cards and PINs
- SIM cards for verification
- Complete banking access credentials
"These compromised accounts were then exploited for illegal fund transfers and unauthorized cash withdrawals," the officer added. The financial incentives for the fraudsters were substantial, with commissions of ₹30,000 per savings account and ₹50,000 per current account successfully compromised.
Digital Evidence and Confessions
Following sustained interrogation, prime accused Omkar Prajapati admitted his involvement and provided detailed information about the syndicate's operational methods. A thorough digital forensic examination of his mobile device yielded substantial evidence, including:
- Suspicious chat conversations
- Stored banking credentials
- Financial transaction records
- Digital wallet access information
Second Parallel Racket Dismantled in Mancheswar
In a simultaneous development, the Mancheswar police station uncovered and dismantled another sophisticated cyber fraud operation involving mule bank accounts. The key arrest in this case was Nabin Kumar Panda, who operated alongside a network of associates including:
- Prakash Muduli from Jharkhand
- Sunil Nayak
- Rakesh Mahanti
- Elina Das
- Mayanka Kumar
This well-organized syndicate followed similar patterns of financial fraud, systematically obtaining and misusing bank accounts for illegal monetary gains.
Legal Proceedings and Ongoing Investigation
Police officials confirmed that sufficient prima facie evidence has been gathered against all accused individuals under relevant sections of cybercrime legislation. "The arrested operatives have been produced before the court, which has remanded them to judicial custody," stated an investigating officer.
The Cyber Cell continues its detailed investigation to identify and apprehend remaining associates of both syndicates. Forensic teams are analyzing the seized digital evidence to trace the complete money trail and uncover the full extent of these organized cyber fraud operations.
This coordinated police action represents a significant victory against organized cyber financial crime in Odisha, highlighting the increasing sophistication of digital fraud networks and the corresponding need for vigilant law enforcement responses.
