Khar Police Crack Down on Mule Account Racket, Uncover ₹7.42 Crore Cyber Fraud Trail
Mumbai, August 8, 2024 – In a significant breakthrough, the Khar police have dismantled a sophisticated mule account racket and apprehended a 25-year-old delivery boy for allegedly facilitating a massive cyber fraud of over ₹7.42 crore. The operation, which was initiated in response to an online cheating complaint, has also led to the identification of a potential gang based in Rajasthan.
The Trail of Deception
The case began with a complaint lodged by an individual who was allegedly duped of ₹4.07 lakh through a task-based online scam. The victim had been contacted via Telegram and convinced to part with a substantial sum of money. As the police delved deeper into the matter, they employed technical analysis, coordination with the cyber helpline 1930, and the coordination portal to track down the perpetrators.
Uncovering the Racket
During the investigation, the police discovered that Avinash Kharat, a 25-year-old resident of Beed, and Vikas Bhujbal, a 24-year-old from Pimpri-Chinchwad, were allegedly involved in the racket. Kharat was arrested, while efforts are underway to locate Bhujbal and other suspects. According to DCP Mohit Kumar Gard, Kharat had used the address of a flat purchased near Pune to open the mule accounts.
The Web of Deceit
A preliminary investigation has revealed that 22 bank accounts were opened in the names of Kharat and Bhujbal, with 13 accounts in Kharat’s name and nine in Bhujbal’s. The police suspect that these accounts may have been opened using the identities of unsuspecting individuals. The involvement of a gang based in Rajasthan is also being investigated, and the police are working to identify other accused individuals.
A Complex Network
The Khar police have been working tirelessly to unravel the complex network of mule accounts and identify the masterminds behind the racket. The operation highlights the growing threat of cybercrime in the country and the need for increased vigilance and coordination among law enforcement agencies.
A Message to the Public
As the police continue to investigate this case, they urge citizens to remain cautious when engaging in online transactions and to report any suspicious activity to the authorities. The Khar police are committed to protecting the public and bringing perpetrators to justice.