A cybercrime network involving rented bank accounts has been busted in Chittorgarh district, where police uncovered illegal transactions worth ₹21.90 lakh linked to cyber fraud operations. Acting under the ongoing ‘Mule Hunter’ campaign, cyber police have registered a case against two individuals for allegedly allowing their bank accounts to be used by cybercriminals in exchange for commission.
According to the investigation, the suspicious transactions were carried out in three separate transfers into an SBI account, which was later found to be linked with multiple cyber fraud complaints registered across different states. The money was subsequently withdrawn and routed further through the network, indicating a structured money-laundering mechanism used by cyber fraud gangs.
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The account had already been flagged on the national cybercrime reporting portal for suspicious activity. Further scrutiny revealed that complaints related to fraud amounts of ₹5.80 lakh in Maharashtra’s Pimpri Chinchwad, ₹14 lakh in Pune, and ₹2.10 lakh in Chennai were all connected to the same account. When combined, these incidents confirmed total suspicious transactions of ₹21.90 lakh, exposing a wider inter-state cyber fraud linkage.
During police interrogation, account holder Balu Ram, son of Kanhaiya Lal, revealed that he was introduced to the scheme by his acquaintance Shravan Suhalka. Both were reportedly running shops near each other in Chittorgarh, which led to their association. Balu Ram admitted that he was lured into the arrangement with the promise of earning a 30% commission on the illicit funds deposited into his account. As per the arrangement, 20% was to be kept by him and 10% by Shravan, while the remaining amount was to be passed on further in the chain.
The accused stated that three separate transactions were received in his account, after which the funds were withdrawn through bank cheques. The money was then divided between the two individuals as per their pre-decided arrangement. Investigators found that the duo had planned the entire operation in advance, deliberately using the account to facilitate fraudulent financial flows and assist cybercriminal networks.
Cybercrime experts believe that such mule account networks have become one of the most critical components of modern cyber fraud operations. Former IPS officer and cybercrime expert Prof. Triveni Singh noted that, “Cybercriminals are increasingly relying on social engineering tactics to recruit ordinary individuals into their financial chains”.
He stated that, “Unless strict monitoring of bank accounts and enhanced KYC verification systems are enforced, dismantling such organized networks will remain a major challenge. He also emphasized the importance of real-time coordination between states to track and freeze suspicious transactions quickly”.
Following the findings, police have registered cases under charges of cheating, criminal conspiracy, and relevant provisions of cyber fraud laws against both accused. Investigators are now working to identify additional members linked to the network and trace other bank accounts used in similar transactions.
Officials indicated that the racket may not be limited to Chittorgarh alone, as evidence suggests its presence across multiple states. Authorities expect further arrests as the investigation deepens, with more layers of the inter-state cyber fraud syndicate likely to be uncovered in the coming days.
