The Gujarat Cyber Cell has uncovered a major mule bank account network allegedly linked to an international cybercrime syndicate operated by China-origin groups. The network is believed to be connected to illegal call centres operating from Cambodia, Thailand, and Myanmar, which have been targeting Indian citizens, especially senior citizens, through sophisticated online fraud schemes.
Investigations revealed that the syndicate used methods such as “digital arrest” scams, online financial fraud, and extortion tactics to collect money from victims. The proceeds were then routed through mule bank accounts in India and further transferred using Angadia networks and cryptocurrency channels to obscure the money trail.
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Based on technical intelligence inputs, the Cyber Crime Unit conducted a coordinated multi-city operation leading to the arrest of eight accused individuals from Surat, Bhavnagar, Rajkot, and Unjha. The operation involved simultaneous raids supported by digital surveillance and financial transaction tracking tools.
From Surat and Bhavnagar, accused Mukesh Mer and Fardin Khan Pathan were arrested. Police recovered four mobile phones, a laptop, and multiple banking documents. During the investigation, it was found that the laptop contained data of around 125 companies used for opening fraudulent bank accounts, several of which were actively operational.
Officials confirmed that transactions worth approximately ₹174 crore were routed through these accounts, raising serious concerns about the scale of the network.
In a separate operation in Unjha, Akshay Patel and Devendra Patel were arrested. According to police, mule accounts operated by them were used to channel nearly ₹114 crore, which was repeatedly layered across multiple accounts to conceal its origin.
In Rajkot, further arrests included Chetan Amalani, Jatin Kakkad, Kapil Kotak, and Mahendra Kokia. Authorities believe they played a key role in managing local banking infrastructure and facilitating transaction flows within the network.
Officials stated that the crackdown is part of an ongoing campaign aimed at dismantling mule account ecosystems that serve as critical intermediaries between international cybercriminal groups and domestic financial systems.
Investigators noted that such networks rely heavily on multi-layered fund transfers, a process known as layering, which makes it extremely difficult to trace the original source of illicit money.
Authorities also confirmed that the investigation is ongoing, and further arrests are likely as digital evidence and financial trails are being analysed in detail.
The probe has also revealed the use of digital wallets and cryptocurrency platforms, which were reportedly used to bypass traditional banking surveillance and evade transaction monitoring systems.
The accused allegedly targeted economically weaker individuals to obtain bank accounts, SIM cards, and identity documents, which were then exploited for large-scale cyber fraud operations across multiple states.
Cyber experts have highlighted that encrypted communication platforms, rapid digital transactions, and crypto-based transfers are making it increasingly difficult for enforcement agencies to track such organised crime networks.
Cyber authorities have urged citizens to avoid sharing sensitive banking or personal financial details with unknown individuals and to immediately report suspicious transactions or account activity to financial institutions or law enforcement agencies.
Experts further stated that mule account networks have now become the backbone of global cybercrime operations, enabling fraud syndicates to move large sums of money across jurisdictions with minimal risk of detection.
Investigators are now expanding the probe to trace interstate and international connections, aiming to identify additional operatives and dismantle the entire syndicate structure.
Officials believe that the arrested individuals are part of a wider network operating across multiple regions, supported by overseas handlers coordinating financial fraud operations.
The Gujarat Cyber Cell has emphasized that the operation marks a significant step in disrupting organized cyber fraud ecosystems and strengthening financial cybersecurity frameworks across the country.
