A major cybercrime investigation in Delhi has revealed 96 suspected mule accounts linked to a single private bank branch in Northeast Delhi, making it one of the largest concentrations of suspected money-laundering accounts identified during the city’s Cyber Hawk operation.
The investigation began after police analysed cybercrime complaint data and banking transactions. One of the accounts belonged to a 30-year-old unemployed resident of Northeast Delhi, whose account was allegedly used to route Rs 54,000 linked to cyber fraud cases.
According to investigators, the man met an individual who introduced himself as “Shiva” while visiting his uncle at GTB Hospital. The stranger claimed he urgently needed cash and requested help withdrawing money. The man allowed Rs 30,000 to be transferred into his account, withdrew Rs 25,000, handed it over, and added Rs 5,000 from his own pocket. Later, another Rs 24,000 was transferred to his account, which he also returned to the same person.
Weeks later, his account was frozen after police linked the transactions to 2 cyber fraud complaints registered outside Delhi. Police said he admitted receiving Rs 2,500 as commission, though he claimed he was unaware the funds were connected to cybercrime. After legal procedures, he was released.
Investigators said such cases follow a common pattern. Cybercriminals often use facilitators to recruit unemployed individuals, daily wage workers, and financially distressed people to provide bank accounts for laundering stolen funds. Some knowingly rent out their accounts for commissions of 2-3%, while others are misled about the purpose of the transactions.
Further investigation traced digital access to the account to Tamil Nadu, where police reportedly discovered linked accounts opened using fake Aadhaar cards, forged documents, and false addresses. A case has been registered under Sections 112(2) and 318(4) of the Bharatiya Nyaya Sanhita.
Police also examined why a single branch had such a high number of suspected mule accounts. While no evidence has yet linked bank officials to the activity, investigators are reviewing the branch’s online account-opening process and have recommended mandatory physical verification of customers.
The individual known as “Shiva” remains untraced. Police said the mobile number used was obtained through fake documents, and the investigation is ongoing.
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