Uttarakhand STF has registered a case against a cyber fraud network after an investigation revealed that a cluster-based network of accused persons was allegedly using bank accounts opened in the names of local residents across different parts of the country to route proceeds of cybercrime and distribute government scheme benefits as a cover for the transactions.
The case was registered by the Uttarakhand Special Task Force (STF) after examining a network of mule accounts allegedly used to channel money generated through cyber offences. Investigators said the accused opened bank accounts in the names of local residents and subsequently used ATM cards, passbooks, Aadhaar-linked credentials and mobile SIM cards connected to those accounts for financial transactions linked to cybercrime.
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Network of Accounts Under Scanner
According to the STF, an analysis of suspicious account activity indicated that the network was being used to move money generated through various cyber offences. Investigators alleged that the accused opened bank accounts in the names of residents by promising them access to benefits under government welfare schemes and financial assistance programmes.
The agency said the accounts were later used for transactions involving proceeds generated through cyber offences. ATM cards, passbooks, mobile numbers and internet banking credentials associated with the accounts were allegedly handed over to members of the network.
Links to Multiple Cybercrime Cases
An FIR has been registered at the Cyber Police Station in Dehradun. The STF named several accused, including Ansi Patel, Samved Patel, I.P. Singh and others, in connection with the investigation.
Officials said the accounts under scrutiny have surfaced during investigations into offences such as digital arrest scams, share trading frauds, task-based scams and other cybercrime cases. During the probe, links were reportedly found between the account network and a cluster based in Haridwar district.
Investigators also said complaints associated with some of the accounts have been reported from multiple states, including Bihar, Kerala, Karnataka, Uttar Pradesh, Maharashtra and Tamil Nadu.
Money Trail and Ongoing Investigation
According to STF SSP Ajay Singh, an analysis of transaction patterns showed that money deposited into the accounts was allegedly withdrawn quickly or transferred to other accounts, making it difficult to trace the ultimate beneficiaries. Investigators believe the network may have been used to layer and disperse cybercrime proceeds through multiple banking and electronic channels.
The STF said the investigation remains at a preliminary stage and efforts are underway to identify the roles of other individuals linked to the network. Officials added that further legal action will be taken based on the findings of the ongoing probe.
