New Delhi: The Directorate of Enforcement (ED) has carried out searches at 19 locations across Tamil Nadu, Kerala and Srinagar as part of a money laundering investigation linked to alleged online investment fraud and fake work-from-home schemes.

The searches were conducted on July 10 and 11 under the provisions of the Prevention of Money Laundering Act (PMLA). According to the agency, the operation covered 16 locations in Tamil Nadu, two in Kerala and one in Srinagar. The case originated from two cybercrime complaints registered by the Tamil Nadu and Telangana Police.

Victims Allegedly Duped Through Fake Investment Platforms

According to ED officials, the accused allegedly attracted victims through fraudulent online investment platforms and work-from-home opportunities by promising unusually high returns and attractive earning opportunities.

Investigators claim that victims transferred nearly ₹14.95 crore into bank accounts allegedly linked to the accused. The agency is examining the flow of these funds and the methods allegedly used to conceal their origin.

Funds Allegedly Routed Through Mule Accounts and Crypto Channels

The ED has alleged that the suspected proceeds of crime were moved through multiple bank accounts, shell entities and cryptocurrency channels to disguise the financial trail.

Investigators have identified Roshan Fiaz as one of the individuals allegedly involved in the suspected laundering network. The allegations against him and others are part of an ongoing investigation and remain subject to judicial review.

The agency claims that several bank accounts were opened shortly before receiving fraudulent funds and later closed after transactions were completed. Officials are examining whether these accounts were allegedly used as part of a wider money laundering arrangement.

Digital Evidence and Financial Records Seized

During the searches, ED teams recovered documents, electronic devices, laptops, mobile phones, banking records, company-related documents and information connected with suspected shell companies.

Investigators also collected details related to cryptocurrency wallets and virtual digital assets to trace the movement of funds allegedly generated through cyber fraud.

According to the ED, assets worth around ₹3.35 crore in cryptocurrency and cash amounting to ₹14.50 lakh were seized during the operation. The agency also froze bank accounts containing more than ₹40 lakh.

Probe Focuses on Complete Money Trail

Officials said forensic analysis of digital devices, banking transactions and cryptocurrency records is underway to identify additional beneficiaries and determine the full extent of the alleged financial network.

Cybercrime experts have highlighted that online investment scams and fake employment frauds are increasingly using sophisticated laundering methods involving mule accounts, shell companies and digital currencies.

Former IPS officer and cybercrime expert Prof. Triveni Singh said that effective investigation of such cases requires advanced digital forensics, blockchain analysis, financial intelligence and coordination between multiple enforcement agencies.

He added that tracking the movement of illegal funds quickly is crucial for improving recovery efforts and strengthening legal action against organised cyber fraud networks.

The ED has stated that the investigation is continuing and further action will be taken based on evidence collected during the probe. The accused will be subject to due legal process, and final determination of guilt will be made by the competent court.

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.