Bargarh (Odisha): Odisha Police have uncovered a large organized cyber fraud network and traced suspicious financial transactions amounting to more than ₹7 crore. The network is believed to be active across multiple districts, using bank accounts for money laundering and fraudulent transactions. Four people, including a woman, have been arrested in connection with the case.
According to police investigations, the arrested accused have been identified as Chandani Agrawal, Rakesh Kumar Mandal, Mohammad Rizwan, and Siddheswar Pattnaik. Officials said Chandani Agrawal and Rakesh Kumar Mandal were arrested from Mumbai, while the other two were apprehended from the Padampur area. Preliminary findings suggest that the network controlled illegal money flow through bank accounts.
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During the investigation, police found that several local residents were lured into opening bank accounts by offering small amounts of money. It is alleged that Mohammad Rizwan and Siddheswar Pattnaik convinced residents of the Padampur area to open bank accounts in exchange for ₹2000 to ₹3000. Later, control of these accounts was handed over to the main accused. These accounts were then allegedly used to route money obtained through cyber fraud.
During the operation, police seized a laptop, ₹7 lakh in cash, 38 ATM cards from various banks, 19 passbooks, 20 cheque books, multiple SIM cards, one debit card, and four mobile phones. Authorities said the seized digital devices are being sent for forensic analysis to trace other members of the network and reconstruct the complete financial transaction chain.
Investigations also revealed that during 2024 and 2025, large-scale transactions were carried out through these suspicious bank accounts. It is estimated that more than ₹7 crore linked to cyber fraud activities was transacted through these accounts during this period. Police are now trying to determine the actual source of the fraud money and identify the beneficiaries of the illegal funds.
Another accused, Aman Sahu, is also alleged to have been involved in opening bank accounts and handing over passbooks and ATM cards to the main conspirators. Police believe the gang targeted people by offering quick profit opportunities and obtained their identity documents, later using the accounts opened in their names for illegal financial activities.
All arrested accused were produced before the court and were sent to judicial custody. Police are continuing efforts to track other possible members of the network and identify additional financial links associated with the cyber fraud case.
Authorities have urged people to remain cautious in view of the rising cybercrime incidents. People are advised not to share sensitive financial information such as bank account details, ATM cards, passwords, or OTPs with unknown persons. Police said strict action will continue against such organized cybercrime networks in the future.
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.
