Surat: In a startling case highlighting the growing threat of cyber fraud, a 21-year-old tea vendor from Surat has been arrested for his alleged role in a ₹41 lakh scam. The accused is said to have allowed cybercriminals to use his bank account to transfer illicit funds, effectively acting as a “mule account” in a larger fraud network.
Investigations revealed that the case is linked to a 60-year-old resident of Mumbai’s Borivli area, who was lured into a fake investment scheme through social media. The victim was initially contacted on Facebook and later approached via WhatsApp by a woman posing as an investment advisor. Over time, she gained his trust and convinced him to invest in what appeared to be a lucrative opportunity.
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The victim was added to a WhatsApp group named “S18-Value Growth Circle,” where multiple fake profiles continuously posted fabricated success stories to build credibility. Influenced by these posts, he was persuaded to download a fraudulent trading application and invest money in phases. Over several transactions, he transferred lakhs of rupees into different bank accounts controlled by the fraudsters.
During the probe, investigators traced part of the transaction trail to the bank account of the Surat-based accused, identified as Sachin Manojbhai Modanwa. Approximately ₹2 lakh from the defrauded amount had been routed through his account. Based on this evidence, he was tracked down and arrested from Surat.
During questioning, it emerged that the accused runs a tea stall and had allowed cybercriminals to use his bank account in exchange for monetary benefits. He reportedly received commissions for facilitating such transactions. Preliminary findings suggest that he may have been involved in multiple similar activities.
What makes this case particularly significant is that the accused was not the mastermind but a small yet crucial part of a larger, well-organized network operating across states. In such operations, mule accounts are used to quickly transfer money across multiple layers, making it difficult to trace the actual perpetrators.
Investigators suspect the involvement of an organized interstate cyber fraud racket, where individuals perform specific roles—some target victims, others create fake platforms, while some handle financial routing through bank accounts.
Commenting on such cases, renowned cybercrime expert and former IPS officer Prof. Triveni Singh said, “Cybercriminals today rely more on social engineering than direct hacking. They exploit trust, greed, and fear to manipulate individuals into transferring money themselves. Mule accounts play a critical role in helping criminals hide their identities.”
He also warned that allowing someone to use one’s bank account or blindly trusting unknown investment offers can lead to serious legal consequences. “Many people agree to share their accounts for small commissions, not realizing they are becoming part of a major cybercrime network,” he added.
This case highlights a worrying trend where ordinary individuals, especially those facing financial challenges, are being recruited as mule account holders. Fraudsters exploit vulnerabilities such as unemployment or economic need to expand their networks.
Authorities are continuing their investigation to uncover the full extent of the racket and identify the masterminds behind the operation. Efforts are also underway to trace the siphoned funds and provide relief to the victim.
The incident serves as a strong reminder for the public to remain cautious about investment offers circulating on social media platforms. Experts advise against sharing bank details or allowing third parties to use personal accounts under any circumstances, as even a small lapse in judgment can lead to significant financial loss.
