New Delhi: Rajasthan Police have arrested the alleged mastermind of an international cyber fraud network accused of routing more than ₹160 crore in fraudulent proceeds through hundreds of bank accounts opened in the names of unsuspecting villagers and students. According to investigators, the accused headed an organised cybercrime syndicate allegedly operated from Dubai and was arrested in the Balicha area of Udaipur following technical surveillance and conventional police operations.
Police identified the accused as Ghanshyam Kalal, a resident of Seemalwara in Dungarpur district. Investigators alleged that he recently returned to India from Dubai through Nepal and Bhutan. Acting on intelligence inputs, police tracked his movements and took him into custody. He is currently being questioned regarding the wider network, its overseas associates and the financial transactions linked to the alleged operation.
According to the preliminary investigation, the syndicate allegedly persuaded villagers and students to open bank accounts by promising benefits under government schemes, scholarships, PAN cards, bank account facilities and easy loans. Police claim the accused collected passbooks, ATM cards, cheque books, SIM cards and internet banking credentials from account holders and used these accounts to receive, transfer and conceal proceeds generated from cyber frauds committed across the country.
Investigators said more than ₹160 crore was allegedly routed through these bank accounts. The network is suspected to have been operated from Dubai, Georgia and Kuwait, with members communicating through encrypted messaging platforms such as Telegram and WhatsApp. According to police, the money deposited into the accounts was later withdrawn through ATMs or cheques and distributed among members of the syndicate on a commission basis.
Police said five other accused had already been arrested earlier in connection with the case. The ongoing interrogation and analysis of digital evidence have reportedly revealed the possible involvement of additional suspects. Investigators are now working to identify the full extent of the network and determine the role of handlers allegedly operating from abroad.
Renowned cybercrime expert and former IPS officer Prof. Triveni Singh said that mule bank accounts have become one of the primary tools used by organised cybercriminals to launder fraudulent proceeds. He noted that fraudsters frequently target villagers, students and economically vulnerable individuals by luring them with promises of government benefits or banking services before misusing their accounts. He advised the public never to hand over their bank accounts, ATM cards, cheque books, SIM cards or internet banking credentials to anyone, warning that doing so could unknowingly expose them to serious criminal liability.
Investigators are now examining bank records, mobile devices, digital communications and financial transactions linked to the accused. Police are also coordinating with foreign law enforcement agencies to trace the movement of the allegedly stolen funds and identify the ultimate beneficiaries of the transactions. Officials said further action against other members of the international cybercrime network is expected once the analysis of digital evidence, banking records and overseas links is completed. Police have also urged citizens not to allow anyone else to use their bank accounts or banking documents, as such accounts are frequently exploited for money laundering in cybercrime operations.
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.
