In a major crackdown on digital financial crimes, the Surat police have apprehended 41 individuals linked to a widespread cyber fraud network. The arrests are part of Operation Mule Hunt, which has so far led to the registration of 141 First Information Reports (FIRs). Investigators have uncovered that a staggering Rs 8.80 crore in illicit proceeds from various online scams was funneled through mule bank accounts in the city.
The Scale of the Mule Account Network
Deputy Commissioner of Police (Cybercrime) Bishakha Jain provided alarming details about the operation's findings. Police had actionable intelligence on 2,971 ATM withdrawals and 950 cheque withdrawals connected to mule accounts used for cyber fraud across Surat. This data formed the basis for the 141 FIRs and the subsequent arrests. Authorities have also issued formal notices to 2,074 account holders whose accounts were allegedly misused, signaling that more arrests are imminent as the investigation deepens.
"We are still awaiting reports from banks in some cases," DCP Jain stated. "So far, offences involving a fraud amount of Rs 8.80 crore have been registered." The scan of these mule accounts revealed that the deposits originated from a vast array of cyber fraud methods plaguing Indian citizens.
Multifaceted Scam Methods Exposed
The police investigation highlighted how the fraudsters employed numerous techniques to dupe victims. The illicit funds deposited into the Surat-based mule accounts were generated through:
- Gaming app scams and APK (Android application package) frauds.
- QR code-based payment frauds.
- Task-based and work-from-home scams.
- Fake investment plans and cryptocurrency frauds.
- Fraudulent RTO (Regional Transport Office) e-challan schemes.
This diversity points to a highly organized ecosystem where different scam cells used a common network of money mules to launder their proceeds.
Case Study: A Single Account and a National Web
One particularly revealing case demonstrates the scale of operations. Police arrested two individuals, Dharmesh Chopda, a labourer, and Hitesh Chaklasiya, in connection with a Rs 30 lakh fraud. Chopda had opened a mule account that received Rs 20 lakh of the fraudulent sum. He later handed over control of the account to Chaklasiya after taking a commission.
The arrest of this duo led to a much larger discovery. "After the arrest of Chopda and Chaklasiya, we recovered details of 11 mule accounts from them," DCP Jain explained. When these accounts were scrutinized on the National Cyber Crime Reporting Portal (NCCRP), investigators found 57 complaints from 14 different states. The total fraud amount linked to just these 11 accounts was an astonishing Rs 53.09 crore.
"Given the scale of the operation and the number of people involved, we expect more arrests in this case," Jain added, indicating that this is likely just the tip of the iceberg.
Ongoing Investigation and Public Warning
Operation Mule Hunt remains active, with police pursuing leads from thousands of flagged transactions. The case underscores the critical role mule accounts play in enabling cybercrime by providing fraudsters with a layer of anonymity for moving stolen money. The Surat police's action serves as a stern warning to those who rent or sell their bank accounts for quick commission, as they face serious legal consequences.
The crackdown also highlights the need for public vigilance against too-good-to-be-true online offers related to gaming, investments, jobs, or fake government notices. Citizens are urged to never share bank details or OTPs and to verify any unusual payment requests through official channels.
