Sundargarh: In a major breakthrough against organised cybercrime, Odisha Police have arrested two operatives from Rajgangpur for their role in a multi-state fraud racket that routed more than ₹4.19 crore through benami bank accounts within a month.
The arrests were made after investigators traced suspicious transactions linked to a Rajgangpur-based bank account that had surfaced in cyber fraud complaints registered in Kolkata, Bengaluru and Kanpur. Acting on the financial trail, police uncovered three benami accounts used to receive and quickly withdraw fraudulent funds.
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The accused—Abdul Kadir (25) and Fayaz Raja (26)—were identified as local handlers responsible for operating mule accounts and facilitating cash withdrawals on behalf of a larger network. During searches, police seized bank passbooks, cheque books, Aadhaar cards and mobile phones believed to have been used to manage the accounts and coordinate transactions.
Rapid layering of funds
Financial records showed that ₹4,19,14,136 moved through the three accounts in just one month, indicating a high-volume laundering mechanism. Investigators said the accounts were used as temporary parking channels: money from victims across different states was deposited, withdrawn within hours by agents and then transferred to higher-level operators after deducting commissions.
During interrogation, the arrested duo admitted they were working for a wider cyber fraud syndicate. Their role included opening or procuring benami accounts, sharing banking credentials with handlers and arranging rapid cash withdrawals to break the money trail.
Multi-state scam network under scanner
Police believe the racket is linked to organised cyber fraud modules that run phishing, investment scams and impersonation calls targeting victims across India. The Rajgangpur accounts appear to have functioned as a regional money-muling hub for the network.
Investigators are now analysing call detail records, device data and transaction logs to identify the masterminds and other operatives. Raids are likely in multiple locations as part of the follow-up probe.
Rising use of mule accounts
Officials said the case highlights the growing use of benami and mule accounts in cybercrime, where local recruits—often young individuals—are paid small commissions to open accounts or allow their credentials to be used for illegal fund transfers.
Such accounts enable fraudsters to move money quickly across states, making recovery difficult and delaying detection.
Crackdown signals intensified enforcement
The bust is being seen as a significant step in dismantling financial infrastructure that supports online fraud networks. Police said further arrests are expected as the investigation progresses and more accounts linked to the syndicate are identified.
Authorities have urged citizens not to share banking credentials, rent out accounts or allow others to use their ATM cards, warning that mule account holders are legally liable even if they are not the masterminds.
The case underscores how cybercrime has evolved into organised financial operations, with layered transactions, interstate coordination and local facilitators forming the backbone of large-scale fraud.
About the author — Suvedita Nath is a science student with a growing interest in cybercrime and digital safety. She writes on online activity, cyber threats, and technology-driven risks. Her work focuses on clarity, accuracy, and public awareness.
