Dehradun: In a significant crackdown on cybercrime, the Uttarakhand Special Task Force (STF) has achieved a major breakthrough under ‘Operation Prahar’, exposing a large-scale mule account network operating across the state and beyond. The network allegedly used rented bank accounts to facilitate cyber frauds across multiple states in India. Two key agents have been arrested from Dehradun, while investigation into thousands of suspected accounts is ongoing.
₹1.53 Crore Money Trail Puts Network Under Heat
According to Senior Superintendent of Police (STF) Ajay Singh, the syndicate systematically exploited the bank accounts, ATM cards, passbooks, and SIM cards of unsuspecting individuals to build a structured cyber-fraud ecosystem. Preliminary findings indicate that transactions worth approximately ₹1.53 crore have been routed through these accounts as part of cyber cheating activities. More than 28 complaints linked to these accounts have been registered on the National Cyber Crime Reporting Portal (NCRP), which triggered an intensified investigation.
The STF has deployed 12 dedicated teams across Uttarakhand to verify nearly 2,200 suspicious bank accounts identified in the operation. So far, verification of 80 accounts has been completed, while legal action has been initiated against 15 accounts. Officials believe the network’s scale may expand further as investigations progress, given its suspected interstate reach.
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Fake Job Promises, Real Fraud Network
The arrested accused have been identified as Danish Ansari (Deoband) and Ankit Anthony (Raipur, Dehradun). Investigators revealed that the duo lured individuals with promises of easy income, work-from-home opportunities, or commission-based earnings. In return, they obtained control of bank accounts, ATM cards, passbooks, and identity documents, which were later used to route and layer proceeds of cyber frauds.
During the raid, STF recovered two mobile phones, three passbooks of Uttar Pradesh Gramin Bank, and four SIM cards issued using forged identity documents. These digital and documentary records are now being analysed to trace the broader network and identify additional members of the syndicate.
Operation Prahar Unleashes a Massive Cyber Sweep
Officials stated that the group operated in a highly organized manner, using social media platforms, local contacts, and offline recruitment methods to trap financially vulnerable individuals. Once bank account access was obtained, it was handed over to cybercriminals who used it to transfer fraud money in multiple layers, making it difficult to trace the original source of funds.
STF has strongly advised the public not to share bank accounts, ATM cards, passbooks, or KYC documents with any unknown person. Authorities warned that individuals allowing their accounts to be used for illegal transactions, even unknowingly, can face strict legal action under cybercrime laws.
Bigger Masterminds Still on Radar
Citizens have also been cautioned against falling for offers of easy money or commission-based schemes involving financial transactions. Any suspicious activity or cyber fraud attempt can be reported immediately to the National Cyber Crime Helpline number 1930 or through the official portal www.cybercrime.gov.in.
This operation is being seen as a major step in curbing the rising menace of cyber fraud in Uttarakhand, while STF teams continue their efforts to identify the masterminds and inter-state links behind the mule account network.
