Cyberabad Police Bust ₹77 Lakh Cyber Fraud Racket, Five Accused Arrested

HYDERABAD — Cyberabad Police have dismantled an alleged cyber fraud operation involving transactions worth nearly ₹77 lakh and arrested five individuals suspected of facilitating the movement of illegally obtained funds through a network of mule bank accounts.

Investigators believe the accused played a critical role in helping cybercriminals receive, transfer, and conceal proceeds generated from online frauds reported across multiple regions of India.

Police Uncover Mule Account Operation

According to officials, the arrests followed an investigation into suspicious financial transactions linked to several cybercrime complaints. Authorities allege that the suspects were responsible for arranging and operating bank accounts that were later used by fraudsters to process illicit funds.

Preliminary findings indicate that money received from victims was routed through multiple accounts before being withdrawn or transferred to other destinations, making it more difficult for investigators to trace the original source of the funds.

Police suspect the operation may be connected to a wider network of cybercrime facilitators operating across state borders.

₹77 Lakh Transaction Trail Under Scrutiny

Investigators have so far identified financial transactions amounting to approximately ₹77 lakh that are believed to be linked to the alleged fraud network.

Authorities are currently examining bank records, digital devices, communication data, and account activity to identify additional individuals who may have participated in the scheme.

Officials said the investigation is focused on determining the full scope of the operation, including how the bank accounts were acquired, managed, and supplied to cybercriminals.

Law enforcement agencies are also attempting to trace the ultimate beneficiaries of the transferred funds.

Mule Accounts Continue to Fuel Cybercrime

Cyberabad Police highlighted the increasing role of mule accounts in enabling cyber fraud across the country.

Mule accounts are bank accounts used to receive and transfer illegally obtained money, often in exchange for commissions or other incentives. Fraudsters frequently recruit individuals to open accounts or share banking credentials, allowing criminal proceeds to be moved quickly while obscuring the money trail.

Investigators warned that individuals who knowingly provide access to their bank accounts, ATM cards, internet banking credentials, or digital payment services may face legal action if those accounts are used in criminal activities.

Authorities Warn Against Easy-Money Schemes

Police officials urged citizens to exercise caution when approached with offers promising quick earnings in exchange for the use of personal bank accounts or financial services.

Authorities advised the public to never share account details, ATM cards, passwords, one-time passwords (OTPs), or online banking access with unknown persons.

Financial institutions and law enforcement agencies have repeatedly warned that participation in mule account operations, even for a commission, can expose individuals to criminal liability.

Public Asked to Report Cyber Fraud Quickly

Cyberabad Police encouraged victims of online fraud to report incidents immediately through official cybercrime reporting channels and helplines.

Officials noted that prompt reporting increases the likelihood of freezing suspicious transactions, tracking stolen funds, and identifying those involved in cybercrime networks.

The investigation remains ongoing, and authorities are working to determine whether additional arrests may follow as more evidence is analyzed.

The case underscores the growing challenge posed by organized cyber fraud groups that rely on extensive banking networks to move and conceal illegally obtained money across the country.