Mirzapur: Police have arrested four members of an alleged cyber fraud network accused of routing proceeds of online scams through mule bank accounts. During the investigation, police found transactions worth crores of rupees through 28 bank accounts opened in the Chunar and Adalhat areas. The accused allegedly persuaded people to open bank accounts by promising them benefits under various schemes and later made those accounts available to cybercriminals. In return, they allegedly received commissions.
Police recovered laptops, mobile phones, cheque books, voter identity cards, ATM cards, passbooks, Aadhaar cards and a four-wheeler from the arrested accused. After completing the preliminary investigation, police registered a case against them and sent all four to judicial custody.
Accounts Opened for Commission
According to police, the gang’s alleged role was to arrange bank accounts that could be used to receive and transfer money obtained through cyber fraud. The accused allegedly approached people with promises of benefits under various government or other schemes and persuaded them to open bank accounts in their names.
After the accounts were opened, banking documents and other essential account-related information allegedly came into the possession of the gang. These accounts were then allegedly used to receive and move money linked to cyber fraud. Police suspect that the accused received a commission for every account made available for such transactions.
Crores Routed Through 28 Accounts
The investigation identified 28 bank accounts operated in the Chunar and Adalhat areas. According to police, transactions involving crores of rupees were carried out through these accounts.
Investigators are now trying to determine the original source of the money deposited into the accounts and where it was transferred afterward. Police are also examining whether the accounts were used in multiple cyber fraud cases and how much money linked to online scams passed through them.
The transaction history of the accounts is expected to be a key part of the investigation. Investigators are examining the flow of funds to identify the people who supplied the accounts, the cybercriminals who allegedly used them and the eventual beneficiaries.
Laptops and Banking Documents Recovered
During the arrests, police seized laptops and mobile phones from the accused. Several cheque books, voter identity cards, ATM cards, passbooks and Aadhaar cards were also recovered. A four-wheeler was also taken into police custody.
Investigators are examining the electronic devices for digital evidence. The mobile phones and laptops may contain information relating to bank accounts, financial transactions, contacts and communications with other people allegedly involved in cybercrime.
Four Accused Identified
The arrested accused have been identified as Ashish Kumar Singh, a resident of Sahaspura in Chunar; Yuvraj Singh alias Raja, a resident of Chunar; Kapil Dev Bhardwaj alias Monu, a resident of Dixitpur; and Adarsh Singh alias Monu, a resident of Pratappur in Adalhat.
During interrogation, police are trying to determine how many people were persuaded to open bank accounts and which cybercriminals ultimately received access to those accounts.
Investigation Focuses on Wider Network
The discovery of crores of rupees in transactions through 28 accounts has prompted police to investigate the alleged wider network behind the operation. Investigators are focusing on the links between account holders, people who arranged the accounts, cyber fraudsters and the ultimate recipients of the money.
Police are examining bank transaction records, mobile phones and other digital devices to determine how money obtained through cyber fraud was moved through multiple accounts.
The investigation will also establish whether the four arrested accused were directly involved in online fraud or primarily acted as facilitators by arranging mule accounts. Police said further arrests may follow if additional evidence and links emerge during the investigation.
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.
