In a major crackdown on cyber-enabled financial crime, the East Kutch Police have uncovered an extensive fraud network involving more than 100 suspected mule bank accounts linked to transactions worth approximately ₹44 crore. The operation, carried out under the Gujarat government’s “Operation Mule Hunt 2.0” initiative, has resulted in the arrest of four alleged members of an interstate cybercrime syndicate.

Authorities said investigations are ongoing to apprehend four additional suspects believed to be connected to the network.

Intelligence-Led Operation Targets Organized Cybercrime

The investigation began after the Cyber Crime Police Station in East Kutch received actionable intelligence regarding suspicious financial activities. Law enforcement teams combined technical surveillance with human intelligence to identify individuals allegedly involved in facilitating cyber fraud transactions.

East Kutch Superintendent of Police Sagar Bagmar stated that the operation forms part of a broader statewide effort to dismantle criminal networks that use banking channels to move illicit funds generated through online scams.

Based on the gathered intelligence, police teams conducted targeted raids that led to multiple arrests and the seizure of crucial digital evidence.

Financial Records Reveal Large-Scale Fraud Activity

During the investigation, officials reportedly recovered extensive financial data that exposed the scale of the alleged operation.

According to preliminary findings, the network controlled or had access to nearly 105 mule accounts used to receive and transfer money obtained through cyber fraud schemes. Transaction records examined by investigators indicate that approximately ₹44 crore moved through these accounts over a period of time.

Police suspect the accounts were used to conceal the origins of illegally obtained funds and distribute proceeds among members of the criminal network.

Authorities believe victims of the fraud may be spread across several Indian states, suggesting that the operation had a nationwide reach.

Possible International Links Under Examination

Investigators have also identified indications of possible cross-border connections linked to the network. Early analysis of digital evidence suggests that certain activities and transaction trails may have connections to Sri Lanka.

Officials clarified that these international links are still being verified and remain part of the ongoing investigation. Cybercrime experts are examining financial and communication records to determine whether foreign actors were involved in the operation.

Four Arrested, Search Continues for Others

Police have registered a case under relevant provisions of the Bharatiya Nyaya Sanhita (BNS) and the Information Technology Act.

While four suspects have been taken into custody, authorities are actively searching for four additional accused who are believed to have played key roles in the fraud network. Investigators are also analyzing seized electronic devices, bank records, and transaction histories to identify more individuals connected to the operation.

Operation Mule Hunt 2.0 Gains Momentum

The latest action highlights the growing focus of law enforcement agencies on dismantling mule account networks, which have become a critical component of modern cybercrime operations. Such accounts are frequently used to transfer, disguise, and withdraw funds generated through phishing scams, investment frauds, online impersonation schemes, and other digital crimes.

Officials said further arrests and financial recoveries are possible as the investigation progresses. The operation is expected to provide valuable intelligence on how organized cybercriminal groups exploit banking systems to facilitate large-scale fraud.

The case marks one of the most significant cybercrime crackdowns in Gujarat this year and underscores the increasing efforts by authorities to combat financial crimes in the digital era.

Authorities have cracked down on an alleged fraud operation targeting pilgrims visiting the Kedarnath shrine, arresting a man accused of collecting money from devotees by falsely promising VIP darshan privileges.

The accused, identified as 31-year-old Chirag from Himachal Pradesh’s Mandi district, allegedly posed as an authorized travel facilitator and convinced pilgrims that he could arrange expedited access to the temple in exchange for payment.

Pilgrims Allegedly Charged for Non-Existent VIP Access

According to police officials, the suspect approached devotees during the ongoing Kedarnath Yatra and claimed he could secure special darshan arrangements unavailable through regular channels.

Investigators allege that he collected approximately ₹3,000 from each pilgrim, accumulating nearly ₹30,000 by offering unauthorized VIP entry services. Authorities stated that the promises were fraudulent and had no connection to any official temple or government-approved system.

The case surfaced after local authorities received information about suspicious activities involving a person soliciting money from pilgrims inside the temple area.

Police Action Leads to Arrest Inside Temple Premises

Following the tip-off, personnel stationed at the Kedarnath Police Outpost launched an immediate inquiry and began tracking the suspect’s movements.

Police located and detained Chirag within the temple premises. During the operation, officers recovered ₹5,000 in cash, which investigators believe may be linked to the funds collected from devotees.

Officials said the recovery of cash and preliminary evidence strengthened the case against the accused and prompted further investigation into his activities during the pilgrimage season.

Possible Local Links Under Investigation

During questioning, the accused reportedly admitted to falsely presenting himself as an agent capable of arranging VIP darshan services.

Investigators are also exploring the possibility that he may have received assistance from local contacts. Preliminary findings suggest that one or more individuals could have helped identify potential victims or facilitate the collection of money.

Law enforcement agencies are now examining whether the operation was part of a larger network involved in exploiting pilgrims through similar fraudulent schemes.

Case Registered Under Bharatiya Nyaya Sanhita

Following the investigation, police registered a case at Sonprayag Police Station under relevant provisions of the Bharatiya Nyaya Sanhita (BNS).

The accused was produced before a court and subsequently remanded to judicial custody. He has been lodged in the District Jail at Chamoli while the investigation continues.

Authorities are also reviewing whether additional pilgrims may have been targeted and are urging anyone who may have fallen victim to similar offers to come forward.

Authorities Warn Pilgrims Against Unauthorized Services

The incident has highlighted the recurring problem of fraudsters exploiting religious tourism and pilgrimage activities. Every year, thousands of devotees travel to Kedarnath, making them potential targets for scams involving fake accommodation bookings, unauthorized helicopter services, forged registrations, and false VIP darshan promises.

Officials have advised pilgrims to use only government-approved portals and authorized service providers for bookings, registrations, and temple-related facilities.

Police emphasized that no individual claiming special access or priority darshan should be trusted without verification from official sources. Security teams have intensified surveillance and awareness campaigns across the pilgrimage route to prevent similar incidents.

Authorities reaffirmed their commitment to ensuring a safe and transparent pilgrimage experience and warned that strict legal action would be taken against anyone found exploiting devotees for financial gain.

The Uttarakhand Special Task Force (STF) has successfully dismantled a sophisticated cybercrime network involved in financial fraud through “mule accounts,” arresting three individuals in the state’s first-ever Bharatiya Nyaya Sanhita (BNS) cybercrime case.

The operation, conducted in Haridwar following detailed intelligence and technical analysis, led to the seizure of multiple bank passbooks, chequebooks, debit cards, PAN cards, Aadhaar cards, and forged bank seals used to perpetrate large-scale financial fraud.

Exploitation of Vulnerable Individuals

Authorities revealed that the gang targeted unsuspecting individuals, persuading them to open bank accounts under false pretences. These “mule accounts” were subsequently handed over to organized cybercriminal syndicates to facilitate the transfer of illicit funds across multiple states.

“These accounts enabled the siphoning of lakhs of rupees from victims nationwide,” said a senior STF officer. “The network relied on carefully forged documents and official-looking seals to make the transactions appear legitimate.”

Legal Action Under BNS and IT Act

The three arrested suspects have been charged under Sections 111, 318(4), and 61(2) of the BNS, as well as Section 66D of the Information Technology Act, at Dehradun Cyber Police Station.

“This marks the first instance in Uttarakhand of applying Section 111 of the BNS law in a cybercrime context. The provision targets organized criminal networks and carries penalties of up to 10 years imprisonment,” an STF official explained.

Authorities highlighted that the new legal framework significantly strengthens the state’s ability to prosecute organized digital crime, ensuring that perpetrators face stringent consequences.

Ongoing Investigation and Manhunt

The STF confirmed a continuing investigation to identify additional members of the network. Officers are analyzing digital devices and tracing fund flows to uncover the full extent of the criminal operation.

“This was a well-coordinated interstate network. Our focus is to ensure all responsible parties are held accountable,” a police spokesperson stated. Investigators are also reviewing recruitment tactics used to manipulate innocent individuals into assisting the syndicate.

Expert Advisory for Citizens and Investors

Cybersecurity experts warn that social engineering tactics, such as mule accounts, pose serious financial risks. Prof. Triveni Singh, former IPS officer and cybercrime specialist, emphasized, “Investors and citizens must verify the legitimacy of any request to open accounts. Immediate reporting of suspicious activity can prevent significant losses.”

Authorities urge the public to remain vigilant and cooperate with law enforcement to curb digital fraud. Timely action can protect both personal finances and broader economic security.

STF’s Commitment to Combating Cybercrime

The STF reaffirmed its commitment to combating organized cybercrime through proactive operations, technical intelligence, and inter-state coordination. Officials stressed that legal reforms like the BNS and specialized cyber units are critical in safeguarding citizens’ financial transactions.

“Exploiting innocent people for financial gain will not be tolerated,” said an STF spokesperson. “With public cooperation and continued vigilance, we aim to dismantle such criminal networks entirely.”