A major breakthrough under ‘Operation Mule Hunt 2.0’ has led Gujarat Police to uncover an organised cyber fraud network operating through Telegram and WhatsApp. The Valsad Cybercrime Police arrested the alleged mastermind and expanded the investigation to identify other members connected to the racket.
Police identified the accused as Harshal Yadav, who allegedly created multiple fake identities on Telegram to contact people across different states. By promising easy money, he convinced individuals to share their bank account details, debit cards, cheque books and other banking documents, which were later used for cyber fraud.
Investigators found that the network routed fraud proceeds through multiple bank accounts before withdrawing the money using cryptocurrency platforms and ATMs. The racket was operated through Telegram and WhatsApp groups involving agents, bank account holders and other associates from different states.
During the investigation, police recovered several Telegram and WhatsApp groups from the accused’s mobile phone. The groups revealed details related to nearly 70 cybercrime complaints. Police also found that the accused operated the network from hotels, rented houses and other temporary locations.
Officials said online transactions worth ₹5,21,38,466 were linked to bank accounts associated with the accused. The money is believed to be connected to cybercrime cases registered in multiple states, and authorities are now examining all financial transactions.
The investigation also revealed that around US$199,602, equivalent to nearly ₹1.89 crore, was transferred to the cryptocurrency platform Binance. Police are working with technical and financial agencies to trace the complete money trail.
Authorities confirmed that cases against the accused are already registered at cyber police stations in Ahmedabad and Andhra Pradesh. The investigation has been widened to identify other members of the network, with officials expecting more names to emerge.
The operation was carried out under the supervision of Police Inspector HG Rabari, with Police Sub-Inspectors DS Patel and DK Tripathi playing key roles. Police said strict action against cybercrime networks will continue under ‘Operation Mule Hunt 2.0’.
The Valsad Cybercrime Police have advised citizens not to share bank accounts, debit cards, cheque books, passbooks or banking details with unknown individuals offering easy money or commissions. They also urged people to stay alert against suspicious messages and offers received through Telegram, WhatsApp and other social media platforms.
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