In a major breakthrough, the Patan Cyber Crime Police have dismantled a large-scale cyber fraud operation involving illegal transactions worth Rs 398.43 crore, routed through 13 mule accounts. The action, carried out on Monday, was part of the state government's ongoing drive to curb online fraud and dismantle the financial networks of cybercriminals, as reported by news agency PTI.
Operation Mule Hunt 2.0 Leads to Arrests
Under the banner of "Operation Mule Hunt 2.0," police arrested 14 individuals from Patan district. These mule accounts have been linked to 228 inter-state cyber fraud complaints. The operation underscores the coordinated efforts to tackle the rising menace of cybercrime.
Investigation and Modus Operandi
Police analysis of data from the Union government's SAMANVAYA system and the National Cyber Crime Reporting Portal (NCCRP) revealed suspicious transactions in current accounts at Harij Nagrik Sahakari Bank in Patan district. Further investigation uncovered a well-organized modus operandi: individuals were lured with commissions to open firms and bank accounts in their names. The account holders then handed over ATM cards, cheque books, SIM cards, mobile numbers, and internet banking credentials to middlemen and cyber fraudsters. These accounts were subsequently used to channel the proceeds of cybercrimes across the country.
Legal Action and Ongoing Investigation
The Patan cybercrime police registered a case under relevant sections of the Bharatiya Nyay Sanhita (BNS) against 20 individuals, including 13 account holders and seven middlemen. Of these, 14 have been arrested, while six others are absconding. Efforts are underway to trace the remaining suspects. The investigation is ongoing, with authorities working to uncover the full extent of the network.
