Nuapada: In a major cybercrime crackdown, Odisha Police have arrested six individuals in connection with a financial fraud racket involving nearly ₹3 crore. The operation was carried out as part of the state’s cyber-security drive targeting organized digital fraud networks operating through mule bank accounts.
The arrests were made after months of surveillance and technical investigation conducted by the CID-Crime Branch under the “Cyber Kavach” initiative. Officials said the action was taken based on intelligence inputs from the Indian Cyber Crime Coordination Centre (I4C) under the Ministry of Home Affairs and the district cyber cell.
Mule Accounts Used to Move Illegal Funds
Police said the fraud network operated by exploiting multiple bank accounts used as financial channels to move illegally obtained money. Investigators traced suspicious transactions across several commercial banks before identifying individuals managing the accounts.
Nuapada Superintendent of Police Amritpal Singh confirmed that a specialised cybercrime team carried out digital tracking, account verification, and field-level investigation before launching the raid. The accused were allegedly involved in managing and facilitating mule accounts used for withdrawing and transferring fraudulent funds.
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During the operation, police recovered six mobile phones, bank transaction records, ATM cards, financial documents, and other incriminating materials from the suspects. Authorities said three of the arrested individuals were directly responsible for maintaining fraudulent accounts, while the other three acted as intermediaries helping move illegal money.
Interstate Links Under Scanner
Preliminary estimates suggest that the total financial loss caused by the racket could be around ₹3 crore. Investigators have not ruled out interstate connections, and further inquiry is underway to identify more people linked to the network.
Police officials said the case has been registered under relevant sections of the Bharatiya Nyaya Sanhita, 2023, and the Information Technology Act, 2000. Authorities are also examining communication records, financial transaction trails, and digital footprints associated with the suspects.
The SP stated that Nuapada district will not be allowed to become a safe zone for cybercriminals and assured that law enforcement agencies will continue strict monitoring to curb online financial fraud.
Cybercrime investigators highlighted that mule bank accounts play a key role in modern cyber fraud operations. Such accounts are often created or rented using fake identities to help criminals hide the origin of illegal money and make tracing difficult.
Warning to Public as Cyber Cases Rise
Officials urged citizens to exercise caution while dealing with unknown online investment offers, social media financial schemes, and suspicious money-transfer requests. People were advised not to share OTPs, banking credentials, or personal identification details with strangers.
Police also warned that individuals involved in renting or selling bank accounts could face criminal prosecution, as such activities directly support organized cybercrime syndicates.
Authorities believe the arrested suspects were part of a structured fraud ecosystem and more arrests may follow as the investigation expands. The cybercrime unit is currently analysing bank networks and mobile communication records to uncover the full scale of the racket.
Police have appealed to the public to report suspicious online activities immediately through official cybercrime helplines or local police channels. Experts say awareness and digital vigilance remain the strongest defence against evolving cyber fraud tactics.
