A joint operation by Fugana police and the cyber crime unit has exposed an organised gang involved in cyber fraud exceeding ₹80 crore across the country. Six accused have been arrested, while two others remain absconding.
According to police, the arrested men provided bank accounts, SIM cards and identity documents to handlers operating from abroad in exchange for commission. These mule accounts and numbers were then used to defraud victims in multiple states through fake websites, phishing and online scams.
Investigations have revealed that more than 100 cyber fraud complaints have been registered against the network nationwide. Police recovered several mobile phones, ATM cards, PAN cards, Aadhaar cards and other documents used to open fraudulent bank accounts and obtain SIM connections.
The case came to light following a complaint on the Union Home Ministry’s ‘Pratibimb’ portal. A Maharashtra resident reported being cheated through a fake online portal. Technical analysis of the bank accounts and mobile numbers used in the fraud traced their location to the Muzaffarnagar region, leading to coordinated raids and arrests.
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Officials said the local module’s role was limited to arranging mule accounts and SIM cards, while the actual scam operations were run through call centres and digital platforms by handlers based overseas. The accused were paid a fixed commission for each account and SIM they supplied.
During interrogation, police obtained details of several additional bank accounts and mobile numbers linked to the racket, which are now being frozen. Investigators are also examining how many individuals’ identity documents were misused to open accounts.
Police said further arrests are likely once the absconding accused are apprehended and that the probe is focusing on financial transactions, digital footprints and interstate links of the network.
Authorities have urged citizens not to rent out or share their bank accounts, SIM cards or identity documents for commission, warning that such accounts are often used in cybercrime and can lead to legal action against the account holder.
The investigation is ongoing, and officials believe the crackdown has dealt a significant blow to a major cyber fraud ecosystem.
About the author – Rehan Khan is a law student and legal journalist with a keen interest in cybercrime, digital fraud, and emerging technology laws. He writes on the intersection of law, cybersecurity, and online safety, focusing on developments that impact individuals and institutions in India.
