HYDERABAD — In a major coordinated crackdown against interstate cyber fraud syndicates, the Telangana Cyber Security Bureau has arrested 101 individuals across six states and union territories, unearthing a widespread money-mule network linked to fraudulent transactions worth roughly Rs 17 crore. The two-week operation, which began on September 23, deployed more than 100 police personnel divided into six specialized teams across Kerala, Andhra Pradesh, Karnataka, Tamil Nadu, Telangana, and Puducherry. Among those taken into custody are 18 women, with investigators tracing connections to 1,172 cybercrime cases nationwide, including 206 registered within Telangana.
Widespread Network of Agents and Mule Accounts Unearthed
The enforcement drive stemmed from 51 cases registered across seven Cyber Crime Police Stations functioning under the bureau. According to investigators, the racket relied heavily on intermediaries and bank account holders who facilitated the movement of illicit capital. Of the 101 people arrested, 19 operated as agents while 81 served as mule account holders. These accounts functioned as transit points to receive stolen funds, distribute them to secondary accounts, and execute cash withdrawals through automated teller machines, bulk wire transfers, and channels tied to overseas syndicates.
Telangana Cyber Security Bureau Director Shikha Goel stated that account holders and middlemen received commissions of up to 5 percent on the fraudulent sums routed through their bank facilities. The inquiry revealed that the illicit infrastructure drew participants from diverse social and professional backgrounds rather than a single demographic profile. Business operators and self-employed professionals represented the largest group among the accused at 23 percent, followed by private sector employees at 13 percent, homemakers at 10 percent, drivers and machine operators at 7 percent, and sales personnel at 5 percent.
Varied Backgrounds and Extensive Crime Footprints
The accused also showed wide disparities in educational qualifications. Approximately 26 percent completed intermediate schooling, 24 percent held bachelor degrees, 16 percent finished secondary school, and 11 percent had no formal education. The remainder held diplomas, technical trade certificates, postgraduate degrees, or professional credentials in nursing and engineering. Age demographics showed that 82 percent of the suspects fell between 20 and 50 years old, while 17 percent were older than 50.
Several suspects showed direct links to dozens of pending cyber investigations across India. An employee at a private financial firm helped arrange mule accounts for cash incentives, while a former defence personnel was tied to six cases. Another suspect holding a diploma in film technology was linked to 26 cases, and an M.Com graduate running a commercial business featured in 34 complaints. An employee of an e-commerce firm allowed his personal account to handle fraudulent funds connected to 50 separate cases. Investigators also discovered that bank accounts registered under non-governmental organizations were used to funnel illicit proceeds, linking them to 60 cases across the country.
Interstate Operations Yield Highest Detentions in Kerala
Kerala witnessed the highest enforcement footprint during the drive, resulting in 35 arrests. Andhra Pradesh followed with 22 detentions, Karnataka with 17, Tamil Nadu with 14, Telangana with 12, and Puducherry with one. Analysis of the suspects revealed that 50 of the 101 arrested individuals were each linked to five or more cybercrime cases registered across multiple jurisdictions in India.
The Cyber Security Bureau continues its investigation to trace additional operatives, establish broader domestic banking trails, and determine whether the syndicate maintains operational ties with overseas cybercrime rings.
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