Puri Cyber Police Dismantle Fraud Network Using Mule Bank Accounts, Arrest Three
In a significant crackdown on cybercrime, the cyber police in Puri have successfully busted a sophisticated cyber fraud network that was operating through mule bank accounts. The operation resulted in the arrest of three individuals allegedly involved in illegal financial transactions, as confirmed by the Superintendent of Police (SP) on Friday.
Special Drive Leads to Arrests
The arrests were made during a targeted "mule account drive" conducted by the Puri cyber police station. This initiative is part of ongoing efforts to curb the rising tide of cybercrime and financial fraud in the region. According to the SP, the accused employed deceptive tactics to lure innocent people with small monetary incentives. They collected sensitive information, including bank account details, ATM cards, and SIM cards from these individuals.
Front Company Used for Illegal Operations
During the investigation, police uncovered that the accused had established a company named Speeding Exim Pvt Ltd. This entity was allegedly used as a front to operate the illegal financial network. Multiple mule accounts linked to this company were utilized to carry out large-scale financial transactions, routing money generated through various cyber fraud activities.
Preliminary findings indicate that illegal transactions worth nearly Rs 1 crore were facilitated through these mule accounts connected to the network. Police have emphasized that further investigation is underway to identify other individuals and networks associated with this racket.
Identities of the Arrested and Seized Items
The arrested persons have been identified as:
- Ahmed Topan and Abdul Kalam Azad, both residents of Arulpuram in Tiruppur district, Tamil Nadu
- Abdul Aziz Sheikh (38) of Benipur in West Bengal
- Sushant Kumar Parida of Sobharampur village in Balasore district
During the operation, police seized a substantial amount of evidence, including:
- 15 ATM cards
- 6 SIM cards
- 7 mobile phones
- 7 cheque books
Additionally, several documents related to Speeding Exim Pvt Ltd were recovered. Prior to this operation, seven cases related to mule bank accounts had been registered at the Cyber police station in Puri. With the latest arrests, the total number of such cases has now increased to 10.
Police Appeal for Public Vigilance
Puri police have issued a strong appeal to the public, urging people not to share their bank accounts, ATM cards, or SIM cards with unknown persons in exchange for money or other incentives. They warned that such actions could lead to serious legal consequences.
Citizens are advised to remain vigilant against cyber fraud and to report any suspicious activity to the cyber crime police or Puri police immediately. For assistance, individuals can contact the cyber helpline at +91-82804 91300.
