Operation Mule Hunt 2.0 Exposes ₹44 Crore Cyber Fraud Trail in Gujarat

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.