A coordinated cybercrime operation in southern Odisha has led to the arrest of 4 individuals accused of running a mule bank account racket to support online fraud activities.
Police in Berhampur said the accused were acting as brokers who allegedly helped cybercriminals by opening multiple bank accounts in the names of unsuspecting individuals in return for cash incentives. The arrests were made on Sunday following a targeted investigation.
The accused have been identified as Pabitra Pradhan, Anil Kumar Patra, Gagan Dalai and Shankarshana Sahu, all residents of Ganjam district. Police said Pradhan worked as the main agent, while the remaining 3 functioned as sub agents.
During the operation, officers seized 5 mobile phones, 2 bank passbooks, Aadhaar cards and 1 ATM card from their possession, according to Chandan Ghadei, sub divisional police officer of Chhatrapur.
Investigators believe more people may be linked to the network. Police suspect that the key handler of the racket was operating from New Delhi and managed the operation by appointing local agents to open mule accounts.
Sabyasachi Malla, inspector in charge of Chhatrapur police station, said 2 mule accounts were detected that had been opened in May in the names of residents from Chhatrapur. The accounts were allegedly opened by sub agents by offering ₹2000 in cash to each account holder, while their documents were passed on to the main accused in New Delhi.
Police also found deposits worth ₹9 lakh in these 2 accounts, reportedly without the knowledge of the account holders.
“We suspect the sub agents might have opened over 100 bank accounts in the name of some people in the area by offering cash incentives, which were then transferred to a handler in New Delhi,” said Malla.
He added that sub agents earned commission for every new account, while Pradhan also received a share from the main accused. “It was a well established racket, and we are trying to nab all its members,” he said.
Further investigation is ongoing to trace the full extent of the network.
Also read: Viksit Workforce for a Viksit Bharat
Do Follow: The Mainstream formerly known as CIO News LinkedIn Account | The Mainstream formerly known as CIO News Facebook | The Mainstream formerly known as CIO News Youtube | The Mainstream formerly known as CIO News Twitter
About us:
The Mainstream is a premier platform delivering the latest updates and informed perspectives across the technology business and cyber landscape. Built on research-driven, thought leadership and original intellectual property, The Mainstream also curates summits & conferences that convene decision makers to explore how technology reshapes industries and leadership. With a growing presence in India and globally across the Middle East, Africa, ASEAN, the USA, the UK and Australia, The Mainstream carries a vision to bring the latest happenings and insights to 8.2 billion people and to place technology at the centre of conversation for leaders navigating the future.
