BERHAMPUR POLICE SERIOUS AFTER OPERATION KAVACH (!)
Manoj Kanta Dash,Odishabarta
ONE MORE INTER-STATE CYBER FRAUD – MULE ACCOUNT OPERATOR ARRESTED(!)
Berhampur,(11/03/26):As part of the ongoing Operation Cyber Kavach, the Berhampur Cyber Police have achieved a significant breakthrough by dismantling a nationwide syndicate.
Wednesday in a major push to combat cyber crimes, Berhampur Police maintaining constant drive, against ‘Operation Cyber Kavach’, across Ganjam. , The Berhampur CC & EO Police successfully busted a structured syndicate specializing in the creation and operation of “Mule Accounts.” These accounts served as primary conduits to launder stolen funds across a sprawling criminal network.
A key operative responsible for managing 60–70 “Mule Accounts” linked to a massive Rs.2 Crore fraud has been apprehended.
The fish in Kavach net identified as; Jyoti Ranjan @ Rohan Pradhan (21), S/O Late Sankar Kumar Pradhan from Village: Kantiagarh, PS: Rambha, District: Ganjam. With seizure of One Realme mobile phone containing incriminating evidence of illegal financial transactions.
The experts explain all about the Modus Operandi & Investigation Findings:-The investigation has revealed a highly organized syndicate focused on securing pecuniary advantages through “continuing unlawful activity.”
The Coordination: -The arrested accused, Jyoti Ranjan, acted in tandem with two other accomplices to systematically open 50–70 bank accounts.
The Inducement: -The syndicate targeted vulnerable individuals using dishonest inducement, offering false promises of monthly financial benefits.
The Handover: –
Based on these misrepresentations, victims were coerced into opening accounts and delivering physical passbooks, ATM cards, and chequebooks directly to the accused.
The Laundering: -These accounts were subsequently handed over to cyber-kingpins to layer and integrate “black money” into the legal financial system, effectively masking the trail of stolen funds.
National Financial Impact:-Preliminary findings reveal fraudulent transactions exceeding ₹2 Crore through just ten verified accounts. Data indicates a massive national footprint with links to crimes reported in;
West & Central: Maharashtra (Pune, Pimpri, Osmanabad), Gujarat (Surat, Ahmedabad).
North: Uttar Pradesh (Haridwar, Gautam Budh Nagar), Haryana (Kaithal), Punjab, Himachal Pradesh.
East: West Bengal (Kolkata, Bidhannagar, Maniktola).
South: Telangana, Tamil Nadu (Chennai, Theni), Karnataka, Kerala, and Andhra Pradesh.
Investigative details for an additional 50–60 bank accounts are currently being processed.
ADVISORY TO THE GENERAL PUBLIC
The Berhampur Police reminds citizens that acting as a “Money Mule”—even out of ignorance—is a serious criminal offense.
Guard Your Identity: Never open a bank account on behalf of another person.
Protect Credentials:
Do not share your ATM card, PIN, or OTP with anyone, regardless of the excuse provided.
Beware of “Easy Commissions”:
Criminals often offer small payments to use your account to “transfer funds.” This is a trap to involve you in money laundering.
Legal Risk:
Allowing your account to be used for illegal transactions can lead to the freezing of your personal assets and a permanent criminal record.
Report Suspicious Activity:
Call the National Cybercrime Helpline at 1930 or report online at www.cybercrime.gov
