The Chennai Cyber Crime Wing has arrested 37 persons and remanded them to judicial custody following investigations into multiple online scam cases across Tamil Nadu. The action forms part of an enquiry that saw more than 120 individuals brought in for questioning, with several released after receiving legal notices.
Tracking Financial Trails Across 15 Cyber Crime Cases
The law enforcement operation stems from an ongoing investigation into 15 distinct cyber crime cases, which include digital arrest scams and online trading frauds. Officials from the Central Crime Branch Cyber Crime unit conducted detailed inquiries to track the movement of defrauded funds through various bank accounts. Based on victim complaints, police mapped the financial trails and prepared a master list of approximately 350 suspects located across Tamil Nadu. From this list, around 120 individuals were secured with assistance from district police units and brought to Chennai for interrogation.
Identification of Money Mules and Account Networks
Investigators identified several money mules, defined as individuals who rented out their personal bank accounts for commissions to facilitate the movement of illicit funds by cyber fraud networks. Authorities initially detained and questioned around 80 people, followed by another 40 individuals comprising both women and youth. Through sustained interrogation, police established the specific roles played by those directly tied to fraud operations as well as individuals operating as intermediaries and agents.
Remands Issued as Families Gather at Headquarters
Following the completion of inquiries, 37 individuals were produced before a local court and remanded to prison. Remaining suspects who were not remanded were issued notices under Section 41A of the Code of Criminal Procedure, instructing them to report for further investigation when required. The extensive drive drew crowds to the Chennai Police Commissionerate, where relatives of the detained individuals gathered throughout the proceedings to seek details regarding the arrests.
