Hyderabad, Oct. 7 (Maxim News) : The Telangana Cyber Security Bureau (TGCSB) has arrested 101 people in a major crackdown on a network allegedly supplying mule bank accounts to cyber fraudsters.
The two-week operation covered Telangana, Andhra Pradesh, Karnataka, Tamil Nadu, Kerala and Puducherry.
The investigation identified fraudulent transactions worth around ₹17 crore and 1,172 cybercrime links across India.
Among those arrested were 18 women. Investigators identified 19 people as alleged agents and 81 as mule account holders.
Police said the suspects allegedly helped cybercriminals obtain bank accounts and KYC documents.
These accounts were then allegedly used to receive, transfer and withdraw money obtained through online fraud.
Account holders and intermediaries allegedly received commissions of up to 5% of the money routed through their accounts.
Hyderabad Cybercrime Crackdown | Employees, Ex-Serviceman Among 101 Accused
The investigation revealed that people from several professional backgrounds were allegedly involved in the network.
A Tata Capital employee was allegedly working as an agent and helping cybercriminals arrange mule accounts for commissions.
A Flipkart employee and graduate allegedly allowed his bank account to be used for fraudulent transactions. Investigators linked the account to 50 cybercrime cases across India.
An ex-serviceman was also allegedly involved in the network and linked to six cases.
Another accused with a Diploma in Film Technology was linked to 26 cases, according to investigators. An MCom-qualified businessman was linked to 34 cases.
An MBA graduate working as the marketing head of Manju Group of Companies was allegedly linked to 15 cybercrime cases.
Investigators also found that some NGO trust accounts were allegedly misused to receive and transfer cybercrime proceeds. These accounts were linked to 60 cases across India.
Police seized mobile phones, SIM cards, bank passbooks and cheque books allegedly used in the transactions.
The arrests are connected to 51 cases registered across TGCSB’s seven Cyber Crime Police Stations. Investigators found that 50 of the arrested people had more than five cybercrime links each.
Mule accounts are commonly used to layer and move illicit funds, making it harder for investigators to trace money back to the original fraud. The Union government has also warned citizens against selling or renting their bank accounts to cybercriminals.
TGCSB said its investigation is continuing to identify additional interstate and international links.
Police have urged people to remain cautious about fake trading platforms, task-based income schemes and digital arrest scams. Victims of cyber fraud can report incidents through the 1930 cyber crime helpline or the national cybercrime reporting portal. (Maxim News)
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