Kanpur: Police have uncovered a cyber fraud network allegedly used to siphon off nearly ₹100 crore through mule and fraudulent bank accounts over a period of two years. Three accused, identified as Senti, Rohit and Kapil, have been arrested in connection with the case. The investigation has now expanded to suspected collusion within the banking system, with 23 officials and employees of different banks coming under the scanner.
According to police, the arrested suspects allegedly arranged and facilitated mule accounts used to receive and transfer proceeds of cyber fraud. Such accounts are commonly used by fraud networks to receive money from victims, move it through multiple layers of bank accounts and eventually transfer it to the intended beneficiaries. Investigators have found indications that the accused either arranged accounts in the names of other individuals or facilitated their use for routing suspicious transactions.
Bank Employees Under Investigation
The investigation has now reached several bank employees suspected of having links with the network. Police have recovered call records and chat conversations relating to communication between the accused and bank personnel. Investigators are examining these digital records to determine whether the employees helped the suspects open accounts, complete verification procedures, bypass banking safeguards or facilitate transactions.
The role of 23 officials and employees from different banks is currently being examined. If investigators establish that any of them knowingly assisted the fraud network, departmental as well as legal action could follow.
Police are also examining bank documents, transaction patterns, mobile numbers, electronic devices and digital communications associated with the suspects. Investigators are attempting to establish the complete money trail and determine which accounts received portions of the suspected ₹100 crore and how the money was subsequently withdrawn, transferred or routed to other accounts.
Dubai Link Under Probe
The investigation has also revealed suspected overseas links to the network. Based on technical surveillance and questioning of the arrested suspects, police are examining the possibility that the operation was being coordinated from Dubai.
The name of Sultan Mirza has emerged during the investigation and he is allegedly linked to the operation of the network. Police are now trying to establish the exact nature of his role and determine how the suspects operating in India remained connected with the alleged overseas handlers.
Investigators are examining mobile chats, call records, banking transactions and other digital evidence to establish whether money collected through mule accounts was eventually transferred to individuals or entities connected with the suspected Dubai-based network.
The case highlights the growing role of mule accounts in organised cyber fraud. Criminal networks often use chains of bank accounts to move stolen money rapidly, making it difficult for investigators to trace the original source and identify the ultimate beneficiaries. Establishing the complete financial trail is therefore a key part of the ongoing investigation.
Police are continuing to question the three arrested suspects and examine the suspected involvement of bank employees. Investigators are also probing the alleged Dubai connection and tracing the movement of the money across multiple accounts. Further arrests are possible if additional members of the network or other facilitators are identified 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.
