Arrah: In a major breakthrough against cybercrime in Bihar’s Bhojpur district, investigators have uncovered a ₹53.85 lakh fraud network that operated across multiple states using bank accounts as conduits for illegal transactions. One accused has been arrested in connection with the case, highlighting how organised gangs are exploiting the formal banking system to channel proceeds of cyber fraud.
Cheque books, passbooks and ATM cards seized
The arrested individual has been identified as Mohammad Akbar Ali, a resident of Matiyara village, within the Gidha police station limits. According to investigators, he played a key role in facilitating withdrawals of fraudulent funds routed through multiple bank accounts. During the arrest, officials recovered one mobile phone, 10 cheque books, four passbooks, and an ATM card—items believed to have been actively used to execute and manage the fraud network.
The case came to light during a routine analysis of transactions flagged on the national cybercrime reporting system. Authorities noticed unusual activity in several accounts opened at Utkarsh Small Finance Bank in Arrah. These accounts had received repeated high-value deposits from different states, raising suspicion of coordinated fraudulent activity. A detailed probe into these accounts subsequently revealed a pattern of systematic misuse.
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Preliminary findings indicate that the gang targeted unsuspecting individuals by offering job opportunities, commissions or financial incentives. Using these pretexts, they convinced victims to open bank accounts or share their documents. In many cases, account holders were unaware that their accounts were being used to receive proceeds from cyber fraud. Once the accounts became operational, funds from various scams were transferred into them and later withdrawn in phases using cheques to avoid immediate detection.
Suspicious deposits from multiple states blew open the fraud network
Investigators identified three primary account holders whose accounts were allegedly used to route the fraudulent funds. These include Javed Ali from Bampali Chanda in Arrah, Shamima Khatoon from Kayam Nagar under Koilwar police station, and Mohammad Meraj Ansari from Matiyara village. Officials believe these accounts formed the financial backbone of the network’s operations.
Experts point out that such cases increasingly involve the use of “money mules”—individuals whose bank accounts are used to transfer or withdraw illicit funds. In some instances, these individuals are unaware participants, while in others, they are knowingly involved in exchange for commissions. This layered approach helps cybercriminals obscure their identities and complicates the investigative process.
Police suspect a bigger interstate syndicate
Authorities are now examining whether the network has links to larger interstate cybercrime syndicates. Digital evidence, including call detail records, transaction trails and device data, is being analysed to identify other members involved in the operation. Officials indicate that further arrests are likely as the probe progresses and more links in the chain are uncovered.
The arrested accused has been sent to judicial custody, while search operations are ongoing to apprehend other suspects connected to the case. Investigators maintain that dismantling the entire network remains a priority, especially given the scale and organised nature of the fraud.
Cybersecurity experts caution the public to remain vigilant while sharing personal documents or banking details. Opening bank accounts on behalf of unknown individuals or entities, even under the promise of financial gain, can expose individuals to serious legal and financial risks. The incident reinforces the urgent need for greater awareness, stronger verification systems and tighter monitoring of suspicious banking activities to prevent such frauds in the future.
