Madhubani: Bihar Police have uncovered an interstate cyber fraud network that allegedly used women’s bank accounts to facilitate cybercrime under the pretext of providing group loans. During the investigation of a case registered at the Cyber Police Station, officers arrested a couple accused of opening bank accounts in the names of women and supplying them to cybercriminals.
According to the police, the arrested accused have been identified as Vijay Chandra Pal and his wife, residents of the Rahika police station area. During questioning, the couple allegedly admitted that they lured women by promising group loans and persuaded them to open bank accounts. Control of these accounts was then retained by the accused before they were allegedly supplied to cyber fraud networks for illegal financial transactions.
The investigation revealed that after opening the accounts, the accused collected the women’s ATM cards, cheque books, and SIM cards linked to the accounts. These accounts were subsequently used by cybercriminals operating across Assam, Maharashtra, Gujarat, Karnataka, and several other States to receive and transfer proceeds of cyber fraud, making it difficult for investigators to trace the money trail.
During searches, police recovered 53 bank passbooks, 47 cheque books, 22 official stamps of different organisations, and four mobile phones from the accused. The seized documents, digital devices, and banking records are being examined to identify the wider network and other individuals allegedly involved in the operation.
According to the preliminary investigation, the bank accounts linked to the accused are connected to 91 cybercrime complaints registered across different States. Investigators are now examining the total value of transactions routed through these accounts and identifying additional members of the interstate cybercrime network.
The arrested couple has been remanded to judicial custody. Police said raids are continuing to apprehend other members of the network, and further arrests are expected as the investigation progresses.
Renowned cybercrime expert and former IPS officer Prof. Triveni Singh said that cybercriminals are increasingly relying on “mule bank accounts” instead of directly receiving fraudulent funds. They often target financially vulnerable or unsuspecting individuals by offering loans, jobs, or government scheme benefits, persuade them to open bank accounts, and later use those accounts to move illegally obtained money while concealing the identities of the actual beneficiaries.
He advised the public never to hand over control of their bank accounts, ATM cards, cheque books, SIM cards, or internet banking credentials to anyone. If any individual or organisation demands control of a bank account in exchange for arranging a loan or financial assistance, people should immediately exercise caution and report the matter to their bank and the cyber police. Prompt reporting can help investigators identify cybercrime networks and prevent the movement of fraud proceeds.
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.
