Odisha Police Crack Down on Major Cyber Fraud Network in Nuapada
In a significant breakthrough against digital financial crimes, the Nuapada district police in Odisha have successfully dismantled a sophisticated cyber fraud syndicate. The operation, which has uncovered fraudulent transactions totaling nearly Rs 3 crore, marks a crucial victory in the ongoing statewide Operation Cyber Kavach initiative.
Coordinated Investigation Uncovers Structured Fraud Network
The crackdown began when the Criminal Investigation Department-Crime Branch (CID-CB) of Odisha launched a special drive targeting mule accounts used for illicit financial activities. Acting on intelligence from the Indian Cyber Crime Coordination Centre (i4C) under the Ministry of Home Affairs, Nuapada police meticulously verified several suspicious bank accounts flagged by authorities.
This thorough probe revealed a highly organized fraud network operating through multiple bank accounts within the jurisdiction of the Nuapada police station. The investigation demonstrated how cyber criminals systematically exploited these accounts to launder money and execute fraudulent transactions.
Six Arrests Made, Evidence Seized in Police Operation
Police have so far arrested six individuals connected to the racket. Among those detained, three have been identified as mule account holders who allowed their bank accounts to be used for illegal transactions. The remaining three suspects acted as middlemen, facilitating the fraud operations and coordinating between different elements of the syndicate.
During searches conducted as part of the investigation, authorities seized crucial evidence including:
- Six mobile phones used in the fraudulent activities
- Detailed transaction records documenting the nearly Rs 3 crore in illicit transfers
- Financial documents linking the arrested individuals to the cyber fraud network
Police Pursue Interstate Connections in Expanding Probe
Nuapada Superintendent of Police Amritpal Singh confirmed that investigators are now actively tracking the involvement of interstate operatives connected to the dismantled syndicate. This suggests the fraud network had connections extending beyond Odisha's borders, potentially involving criminals operating from multiple states.
The ongoing investigation under Operation Cyber Kavach represents a concerted effort by Odisha police to combat the rising threat of cyber financial crimes. By targeting both the account holders who enable these crimes and the middlemen who facilitate them, authorities aim to disrupt the entire ecosystem supporting such fraudulent activities.
This successful operation sends a strong message to cyber criminals while reassuring citizens that law enforcement agencies are actively working to protect their financial security in the digital age.
