Mathura Police Bust ₹15 Crore Mule Account Network Under Operation Cyber Vajra

Mathura: The Mathura Cyber Crime Police Station has uncovered an alleged mule bank account network suspected of facilitating cyber fraud transactions worth nearly ₹15 crore as part of Uttar Pradesh’s ongoing Operation Cyber Vajra campaign against digital crime.

Police investigations revealed that three current accounts opened with the State Bank of India (SBI) in the names of a trust, a foundation and a business entity were allegedly used to receive, transfer and withdraw money linked to cyber fraud cases. Two FIRs have been registered against five named accused and several unidentified individuals under relevant sections of the Bharatiya Nyaya Sanhita (BNS) and the Information Technology Act.

Investigation Tracks Suspicious Banking Activity

According to police officials, the alleged network was detected during a special cybercrime crackdown after authorities analysed suspicious financial accounts.

Investigators found that current accounts opened in 2025 under the names of Jan Kalyan Seva Trust, Sahyog Public Foundation and S&D Enterprises were allegedly used as mule accounts. Such accounts are often used by cybercriminal networks to temporarily hold fraud proceeds before transferring funds through multiple channels to hide the source and destination of money.

Police said the three accounts recorded suspected transactions of approximately ₹13.01 crore, ₹48 lakh and ₹1.17 crore respectively, bringing the total amount under investigation close to ₹15 crore.

Authorities are examining banking records, KYC documents, mobile details, digital communications and transaction histories to identify the complete financial trail and determine the role of individuals connected to the accounts.

Accounts Linked to Hundreds of Cybercrime Complaints

The investigation has found links between the suspected accounts and hundreds of complaints filed on the National Cyber Crime Reporting Portal (NCRP).

Police said one account was connected with around 220 complaints, another with 93 complaints and the third with 37 complaints. Investigators believe the number of linked complaints indicates that the alleged network may have been operating across multiple states.

Further analysis is underway to identify connected accounts, beneficiaries and other possible members involved in moving the suspected fraud money.

Main Accused Allegedly Used Multiple Entities to Continue Operations

Police have identified Pankaj Kuntal as the main accused in the case. Investigators allege that he managed the network and created alternative arrangements whenever an account faced restrictions or scrutiny.

According to officials, the accused allegedly opened new current accounts under different organisational names to maintain the flow of suspected cyber fraud funds.

The FIRs also name Virendra Kumar, Ankit Tripathi, Sandeep Kumar and Dharmendra Singh as accused. The involvement of additional unidentified persons is being investigated.

Authorities are analysing account-opening records, electronic evidence, financial documents and communication details to determine the full scope of the alleged operation.

Experts Warn Against Sharing Bank Accounts for Commissions

Cybersecurity experts have repeatedly warned that mule accounts are a key tool used by organised cybercrime groups. Criminal networks often misuse accounts belonging to individuals, businesses or organisations to move illegal funds and make investigations more difficult.

Former IPS officer and cybercrime expert Prof. Triveni Singh advised citizens not to provide their bank accounts, ATM cards, SIM cards, cheque books or online banking access to anyone promising commissions, jobs or financial rewards.

He said criminals frequently use attractive offers to recruit account holders who may unknowingly become part of a financial fraud chain.

Police Issue Public Advisory

Mathura Police have urged citizens to remain cautious and avoid allowing their bank accounts to be used by unknown individuals or organisations for financial benefits.

Authorities advised cybercrime victims to immediately report incidents through the National Cyber Crime Helpline 1930, submit complaints on the National Cyber Crime Reporting Portal, or contact the nearest police station. Early reporting can improve the chances of freezing stolen funds and tracing offenders.

The investigation into the alleged ₹15 crore mule account network is continuing, with police examining additional financial links and possible suspects.