Valsad Cyber Crime Police have arrested Harshal Yadav, the alleged mastermind of a Telegram and WhatsApp-based cyber fraud network, under Operation Mule Hunt 2.0. Police said the accused allegedly procured mule bank accounts, debit cards, cheque books and banking documents from people across different states, enabling suspicious cyber transactions worth more than ₹5.21 crore across India.
Telegram Accounts Used to Procure Bank Details
According to police, the accused allegedly created multiple Telegram accounts using fake identities and contacted individuals by offering easy-money opportunities. Those targeted were allegedly persuaded to hand over their bank accounts, debit cards and other banking documents.
Investigators said these accounts were later used to move funds generated through cyber fraud. The network allegedly operated mainly through Telegram and WhatsApp groups, where agents, account holders and other suspected associates were connected.
Digital Analysis Reveals Wider Network
During the examination of the accused’s mobile phone, police recovered several Telegram and WhatsApp groups containing details of agents, bank account holders and suspected associates from different states. Investigators said the accused allegedly operated from hotels, rented accommodations and other temporary locations.
Digital analysis of the groups also revealed information linked to nearly 70 cybercrime complaints. Preliminary findings show that bank accounts connected to the accused were used in suspicious transactions amounting to ₹5,21,38,466.
Cryptocurrency Trail Under Investigation
Police said the accused allegedly routed cyber fraud proceeds through multiple bank accounts before withdrawing the money through ATMs and cryptocurrency platforms. Investigators also found evidence indicating that substantial amounts were transferred to the cryptocurrency platform Binance.
According to investigators, around US$199,602, approximately ₹1.89 crore, was moved through cryptocurrency. Technical and financial experts are assisting authorities in tracing the money trail. Police said cases have also been registered against the accused at cyber police stations in Ahmedabad and Andhra Pradesh, and the investigation into his wider network is continuing.
