Mathura: In a major breakthrough under Uttar Pradesh’s ‘Operation Cyber Vajra’ against cybercrime, the Mathura Cyber Crime Police Station has uncovered an organised mule bank account network allegedly used to facilitate cyber fraud across the country. Investigators found that current accounts opened with the State Bank of India (SBI) in the names of a trust, a foundation and a business entity were allegedly used to receive, transfer and withdraw proceeds of cyber fraud. Police said suspicious financial transactions worth nearly ₹15 crore have been traced through these accounts. Two separate FIRs have been registered against five named accused and several unidentified persons under relevant provisions of the Bharatiya Nyaya Sanhita (BNS) and the Information Technology Act.
According to investigators, the network came to light during a special drive against cybercrime after detailed analysis of suspicious bank accounts. The investigation revealed that in 2025, current accounts were opened in various SBI branches in the names of Jan Kalyan Seva Trust, Sahyog Public Foundation, and S&D Enterprises. Preliminary findings suggest these accounts were allegedly operated as mule accounts, receiving money defrauded from cybercrime victims across India before the funds were transferred through multiple channels or withdrawn to conceal the money trail.
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Police said the three accounts received approximately ₹13.01 crore, ₹48 lakh, and ₹1.17 crore, respectively, taking the total suspected transaction value to around ₹15 crore. Investigators believe the accounts were used by cybercriminals operating in different states to layer and move fraud proceeds, making it difficult for law enforcement agencies to trace the ultimate beneficiaries. Authorities are now conducting a detailed forensic examination of banking records, KYC documents, digital communications, mobile data and financial transactions to establish the complete flow of funds.
The investigation also revealed that the three accounts have been linked to 350 complaints registered on the National Cyber Crime Reporting Portal (NCRP). Of these, one SBI account is linked to 220 complaints, another to 93 complaints, and the third to 37 complaints. Police believe the volume of complaints indicates that the network was operating on a large scale with links extending across multiple states. Investigators are now examining connected bank accounts, beneficiaries and financial channels to identify the full extent of the alleged operation.
Police have identified Pankaj Kuntal as the principal accused in the case. According to investigators, he allegedly operated the network in a highly organised manner. Whenever a bank account came under scrutiny or was frozen by a bank or investigating agency, he would allegedly open another current account in the name of a different organisation or entity to ensure the uninterrupted movement of cyber fraud proceeds. Investigators said this method is commonly used by organised cybercrime syndicates to obscure the money trail and frustrate financial investigations.
The FIRs name Pankaj Kuntal, Virendra Kumar, Ankit Tripathi, Sandeep Kumar and Dharmendra Singh as accused, while the role of several unidentified persons is also under investigation. Police are examining account-opening documents, digital devices, mobile numbers, financial records and the identities of potential beneficiaries. Investigators believe additional individuals associated with the network may be identified as the investigation progresses.
Renowned cybercrime expert and former IPS officer Prof. Triveni Singh said mule bank accounts have become one of the most critical components of organised cybercrime networks. He noted that criminals often use trusts, foundations, firms and personal bank accounts to move fraud proceeds through multiple layers, making it significantly more difficult for investigators to trace the ultimate beneficiaries. He urged the public never to share their bank accounts, ATM cards, cheque books, SIM cards or banking credentials with anyone in exchange for commissions, rental payments, employment offers or other inducements.
Police have advised citizens to remain vigilant and avoid allowing their bank accounts to be used by any individual, trust or organisation in return for commissions or financial incentives. Authorities said anyone who becomes a victim of cyber fraud should immediately contact the National Cyber Crime Helpline (1930), report the incident through the National Cyber Crime Reporting Portal, or approach the nearest police station so that prompt action can be taken to freeze the funds and trace those responsible. The investigation is ongoing.
About the author — Suvedita Nath is a science student with a growing interest in cybercrime and digital safety. She writes on online activity, cyber threats, and technology-driven risks. Her work focuses on clarity, accuracy, and public awareness.
