A 22-year-old college dropout in Bengaluru has been arrested for orchestrating a cybercrime network that moved nearly ₹24 crore across India and abroad. The mastermind, identified as Mohammed Uzaif, ran the operation alongside his mother, Sabana Abdul Bari, managing thousands of bank accounts to siphon stolen money.
According to police, Uzaif had dropped out of a BCom course and created a system to help cybercriminals store and launder illegal funds. The duo operated about 4,200 bank accounts and, with external assistance, nearly 9,000 accounts. Uzaif reportedly earned over ₹25 lakh annually from this operation.
The investigation revealed that the operation also involved a Dubai-based Indian handler, Prem Taneja, who was previously arrested in connection with the 2013 IPL spot-fixing case. Uzaif and his mother allegedly travelled to Dubai multiple times to meet Taneja and plan their illegal activities.
To keep the money flowing, the mother-son duo approached colleges and hospitals, convincing people to open bank accounts in exchange for ₹2,000 to ₹5,000. They collected debit cards, passbooks, and cheque books, which were later sent to associates in Delhi. These associates then managed withdrawals and transactions, using couriers to facilitate money laundering.
Police have arrested nine young individuals from Delhi who assisted in coordinating the illegal operations. Authorities continue to investigate the network to identify any further accomplices and trace additional funds.
The case highlights the sophisticated methods used by cybercriminals to exploit unsuspecting individuals and underscores the need for vigilance in banking and online financial activities.
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