Chandigarh: Chandigarh Cyber Crime Police have arrested four men in a major crackdown on an organized cyber fraud network under “Operation Mule Hunt.” According to authorities, the accused allowed unknown individuals to use their bank accounts as mule accounts, which were used to transfer illegally obtained money.
Police said two FIRs were registered at the Cyber Crime Police Station, Chandigarh, dated April 5, under relevant sections of the Indian Penal Code. The operation was conducted under the supervision of senior cybercrime officials and the direction of SP Cyber Geetanjali Khandelwal.
Identities of the Arrested Accused
The four arrested accused have been identified as:
Manoj Kumar (49), resident of Sector 47, Chandigarh
Jai Kishan Singh (24), resident of Sector 52, Chandigarh
Mubarak Ali (54), resident of Mullanpur Garibdass, Punjab
Piyush Pandey (32), resident of Sarangpur, Chandigarh
Police said the accused allowed their accounts to be used in exchange for commissions or fixed payments. During questioning, they admitted that large sums were deposited into their accounts and later transferred or withdrawn via cheques and online transfers on instructions from unknown handlers.
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Investigation Triggered by I4C Tip-off
According to police, the arrests were based on intelligence shared by the Indian Cyber Crime Coordination Centre (I4C). I4C revealed that multiple bank accounts operating in Chandigarh were linked to fraud complaints registered on the national cybercrime portal from states including Delhi, Tamil Nadu, Goa, Gujarat, and Mumbai. Investigators confirmed that these accounts were functioning as mule accounts.
Financial transaction trails indicated that the Chandigarh-based accounts were part of a wider interstate cyber fraud network.
Police Advisory for Citizens
Authorities have urged citizens not to share bank account details, ATM cards, cheque books, OTPs, or online banking credentials with unknown individuals. They warned that allowing someone to use your account for transactions could attract criminal prosecution.
Anyone who notices suspicious activity in their account or falls victim to cyber fraud is advised to report it immediately via the national cybercrime portal or helpline 1930.
Expert Opinion
Cybersecurity experts note that the use of mule accounts is increasingly common in large-scale cyber frauds. Such accounts are exploited by criminals for money laundering, and account holders can face direct legal consequences.
This operation sends a clear message that law enforcement is taking strict action against cybercrime, emphasizing the need for citizens to remain vigilant.
