Police in Rourkela, Odisha, have busted an interstate cybercrime gang and arrested seven people, including a bank employee, for their role in operating and selling mule bank accounts used to launder money taken from innocent victims.
According to police sources, the group mainly focused on arranging mule accounts in the names of residents from Rourkela and nearby areas. These accounts were then sold or rented to cybercriminals across different parts of the country.
“The gang arrange bank accounts, activates SIM cards and identity cards of unsuspecting individuals. They often use forged documents and impersonation. Many accounts were opened with the tacit approval or negligence of complicit bank staff; bypassing standard Know Your Customer KYC norms,” the Rourkela Police said in a press note on Monday.
Investigators said the accused sold or rented each account for amounts ranging between five thousand and ten thousand rupees. The money earned was later shared among members of the group. These mule accounts were used as pass through channels to receive funds taken from victims of online fraud. The money was then moved and laundered both within India and outside the country.
During the investigation, officers found that around two hundred cyber fraud complaints or cases across India were linked to these accounts. This was confirmed through the SAMANWAYA portal of the Ministry of Home Affairs.
Police also believe that more bank insiders from different banks may be involved, as many accounts were opened using forged documents and without proper checks.
In a separate case, the Bhubaneswar Cuttack Commissionerate Police arrested three more cybercriminals from the Katri Sarai gang of Bihar. On Sunday, the twin city police had already arrested twelve alleged members of the same group.
The gang was operating from Bhubaneswar and targeted victims by offering fake gift vouchers, false lottery wins, and fraudulent loan schemes.
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