Varanasi Police have frozen ₹2.42 crore held across six suspected mule accounts after investigations linked them to cyber fraud transactions. Cases were registered against six account holders by the Cyber Crime Cell and police stations in Bhelupur, Sigra, Chetganj and Cholapur under Operation Mule Strike.
Probe Traces 51 Complaints to Mule Accounts
Assistant Commissioner of Police Vidush Saxena said the action followed progress in the investigation of 51 complaints registered on the National Cyber Crime Reporting Portal. The inquiry indicated that cyber fraudsters had used the accounts for transactions amounting to ₹2.42 crore.
FCRF’s Flagship Cyber Law Certification Returns With a New Four-Week Cohort
In the case registered at Bhelupur police station, investigators found that 43 complaints on the NCRP portal were linked to an account belonging to Mohammad Unaish, a resident of Bajardiha.
The investigation found that cyber fraud involving approximately ₹2.19 crore had been carried out through the account. After the case was registered, ₹2.3 crore held in the account was placed on hold.
Another case was registered against Ajit Kumar Patel of Hardattpur after ₹22 lakh was allegedly deposited fraudulently into his account. Of this, ₹6 lakh was placed on hold.
A complaint against Arif Jamal of Nakki Ghat was lodged at Chetganj police station. Shrishish Kumar Gaud, Sikhtham Yadav and Shubham Singh were booked in another case registered at Cholapur police station. Police said their accounts had also allegedly been used to transfer and conceal funds generated through cybercrime.
Fraud Proceeds Routed Through Multiple Channels
Police said cybercriminals frequently offer financial incentives to people in exchange for opening or providing access to bank accounts. These accounts are then used to receive money obtained through digital arrest fraud, fake customer care scams, investment schemes, online job offers, lottery fraud and other cyber offences.
After passing the money through several accounts, fraudsters withdraw it through ATMs, UPI, cryptocurrency or other channels. The movement of funds across multiple accounts makes it difficult for investigating agencies to identify and reach those directing the fraud.
Saxena said investigations were continuing into 32 other bank accounts suspected of being connected to such transactions.
Police Warn Against Sharing Banking Access
Officials appealed to the public not to hand over their bank accounts, ATM cards, chequebooks or internet banking facilities to another person under any circumstances. Those who allow their accounts to be used for suspicious transactions may also face legal action in cybercrime cases.
The Varanasi Police Commissionerate launched Operation Mule Strike amid a rise in cybercrime incidents. The initiative is aimed at taking action against bank account holders whose accounts are used to receive, move or conceal fraud proceeds.
