Chhatarpur: Madhya Pradesh Police have busted an alleged interstate network involved in routing cyber fraud proceeds through rented bank accounts and arrested four men. According to police, the investigation has identified around ₹80 lakh in suspicious cybercrime transactions linked to nearly 50 complaints across several states. The accused allegedly obtained bank accounts through advertisements on social media and used them to receive fraud proceeds before rapidly transferring the money to other accounts and financial channels.
The investigation began after a man from Chhatarpur allegedly lost ₹28 lakh after being promised that his money would be doubled through an online-rating activity promoted through Telegram. Following his complaint, police analysed technical evidence, bank accounts, online transactions and digital communication channels, which allegedly led investigators to a network operating in the Gotegaon area of Narsinghpur district.
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Chhatarpur Man Allegedly Cheated of ₹28 Lakh
According to police, Chhatarpur resident Mohit Choubey filed a complaint at Khajuraho police station alleging that he was lured through Telegram with an offer to earn money by increasing online ratings.
The accused allegedly assured him that his investment would be doubled through the online activity. After initially gaining his confidence, the fraudsters allegedly persuaded him to make multiple payments. The total amount transferred by the complainant reportedly reached around ₹28 lakh.
When the promised returns did not materialise and the money was not returned, Choubey realised that he had allegedly been defrauded and approached the police. A special team was subsequently formed to investigate the case.
Bank Accounts Allegedly Rented Through Instagram
The investigation allegedly revealed that the accused did not retain the fraud proceeds directly in their own bank accounts. Instead, they allegedly obtained accounts belonging to other people through advertisements posted on Instagram.
According to police, the fraud proceeds were first deposited into these accounts and then transferred within a short period to other bank accounts or financial channels. Investigators suspect that this method was used to make it difficult to trace the original source of the money and identify the ultimate beneficiaries.
The probe has also indicated that some of the suspected cyber fraud proceeds were allegedly being converted into cryptocurrency. Police are examining which cryptocurrency platforms, wallets or intermediaries may have been used to move the funds.
Transactions Linked to Multiple States
Police said suspicious transactions worth around ₹80 lakh have so far been detected in bank accounts allegedly connected with the network. Complaints linked to these transactions have been reported from Uttar Pradesh, Rajasthan, Maharashtra, Telangana, Tamil Nadu, Delhi, Bihar and Jharkhand.
Investigators have also found alleged links involving West Bengal, Uttarakhand and Maharashtra. The findings indicate that the suspected network may have operated across multiple states and relied on different bank accounts and financial channels to move cyber fraud proceeds.
Four Accused Arrested
Following the technical and financial investigation, police conducted an operation in the Gotegaon area of Narsinghpur district on Monday and arrested four alleged members of the network.
The arrested accused have been identified as Shubham alias Shivam Patel, Neeraj Patel, Kailash alias Kewal Rajak and Hiralal alias Sandeep Rajak. All four are residents of Gotegaon in Narsinghpur district.
Police have frozen around ₹1.50 lakh in bank accounts allegedly linked to the accused. Several ATM cards, two mobile phones allegedly used for opening bank accounts and ₹38,000 in cash were also seized.
Probe Into Wider Network Underway
Renowned cybercrime expert and former IPS officer Prof. Triveni Singh said the use of mule accounts has become an important mechanism for cybercriminal networks seeking to conceal the trail of fraudulent funds. According to him, when stolen money is moved through multiple rented accounts and subsequently converted into digital assets or transferred through other channels, identifying the actual beneficiaries becomes significantly more difficult.
Police are now questioning the arrested accused to identify people who allegedly provided their bank accounts for use in the suspected network. Investigators are also examining who may have facilitated the alleged conversion of fraud proceeds into cryptocurrency and how many cybercrime cases may be connected to the network.
The investigation remains underway, and police are examining the possible involvement of additional suspects. Further arrests may follow if investigators establish links between other individuals, bank accounts, digital wallets and the alleged interstate cyber fraud network.
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.
