Gandhinagar, April 22: The Cyber Crime Division of Gujarat’s CID announced on Wednesday that over ₹622 crore has been seized in a cyber fraud operation dubbed ‘Operation Mule Hunt 2.0′. This operation has led to the arrest of 40 individuals.
The investigation revealed a network utilizing “mule bank accounts” to launder illegal funds.
Authorities reported receiving 1,039 complaints of cyber fraud during this operation, uncovering a significant network involving transactions exceeding ₹288 crore.
According to officials, the accused opened bank accounts in their names and others’ names for a commission. They used these accounts for personal gain, concealing their identities while facilitating transactions of money earned through cyber crimes.
Funds were deposited into these accounts, converted into cash, and then sent through hawala channels. The accused earned commissions and assisted each other throughout the transactions.
In light of the rising cyber crime rates, a comprehensive campaign was launched under the directives of DGP K.L.N. Rao and IG (Crime-4) Bipin Ahir. A specialized team was formed under the supervision of SP Rajdeep Singh Jala, Sanjay Kumar Keshwala, and Vivek Bheda, conducting raids in Surat, Bhavnagar, Rajkot, and Unjha, leading to the arrests.
In Surat and Bhavnagar, police discovered 181 cyber fraud complaints registered on the NCCRP portal, with 81 FIRs filed across various states. These cases involve an estimated ₹174.63 crore.
Two suspects, Mukesh Mer (23) and Faridkhan Pathan (22), both from Bhavnagar, were apprehended. Police seized four mobile phones and a laptop during the investigation.
Analysis of these devices revealed information on 125 firms, 65 identity documents, and 868 fake invoices.
In Unjha, police reported that the bank accounts linked to the suspects were associated with cyber fraud exceeding ₹114 crore, with 125 cases logged nationwide on the 1930 portal.
Two more suspects, Akshay Patel and Devendra Patel, were arrested. Akshay opened multiple bank accounts in his and his firms’ names, withdrawing fraudulently obtained money for distribution, while Devendra opened accounts under his and friends’ names, earning commissions. Two mobile phones were confiscated.
In Rajkot, police found 26 cyber fraud complaints on the NCCRP portal, with one FIR filed across different states, involving amounts over ₹59.79 lakh.
Four suspects—Chetan Amalani (28), Jatin Kakkar (41), Kapil Kotak (34), and Mahendra Kokhia (42)—were arrested, all residents of Rajkot.
Authorities reported various types of cyber fraud, including online financial fraud, internet banking fraud, UPI-related fraud, demat and depository fraud, investment fraud, and deposit fraud.
Six mobile phones and ₹40 lakh in cash were seized from the suspects.
Officials stated that the accused obtained bank accounts illegally through mutual assistance and commissions, using them for personal gain while concealing their identities and facilitating transactions of money derived from cyber crimes.
Issuing a public advisory, CID Crime urged individuals not to share their bank account information under any temptation or lure. Account holders are responsible for any money deposited into their accounts. Do not allow others to use your bank account for commissions.
My name is Ganpat Singh Choughan. I am an experienced content writer with 7 years of expertise in the field. Currently, I contribute to Daily Kiran, creating engaging and informative content across a variety of categories including technology, health, travel, education, and automobiles. My goal is to deliver accurate, insightful, and captivating information through my words to help readers stay informed and empowered.
Leave a Comment