A major cyber fraud network operating across states has been exposed in Odisha’s Jharsuguda, where police uncovered suspicious transactions exceeding ₹5.27 crore. In a coordinated crackdown, 15 accused were arrested for running mule bank accounts used to transfer scam proceeds nationwide. During the operation, police seized multiple passbooks, ATM cards, mobile phones and KYC documents linked to the cyber racket.
The action involved multiple police stations. Jharsuguda Town police arrested 6 accused connected to transactions worth around ₹2 crore. Airport police detained 1 accused linked to transfers exceeding ₹3 crore. Additional arrests were made by Jharsuguda Sadar, Badmal and Lakhanpur police stations. Notices under Section 35(3) of the BNSS have also been issued to 8 more individuals for questioning as part of the expanding cyber investigation.
Police said the cyber fraud syndicate targeted unemployed and financially vulnerable individuals. They were persuaded to open bank accounts and hand over passbooks, ATM cards and KYC documents. These accounts were then used as mule accounts to receive and move funds generated from cyber fraud cases reported in multiple states. Money was routed through layered transactions to make tracing difficult. Investigators described the operation as a well-organised cyber network managing large-scale financial movement for online scams.
FIRs in the case show links to cybercrime incidents across different parts of India, pointing to an interstate cyber fraud chain. The Jharsuguda SP urged citizens not to share bank accounts, ATM cards or KYC documents with anyone and to report suspicious credits immediately. Victims have been advised to call the 1930 cybercrime helpline without delay. Police are now tracking the money trail, identifying the masterminds behind the cyber network and examining connections with operators in other states to dismantle organised cybercrime channels.
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