Delhi Police Arrest 14 in Cyber Fraud Racket Using Mule Accounts
In a major crackdown on online crime, Delhi Police arrested 14 individuals linked to a cyber fraud racket that allegedly used mule bank accounts to route stolen money from multiple scams. Authorities said the syndicate was operating across Delhi NCR and nearby areas.
What Did Police Recover?
During the raids, Delhi Police seized several items connected to the racket, including:
- Rs 79,000 cash
- 28 mobile phones
- 17 bank passbooks
- 23 ATM cards
- 3 laptops
Officials believe these items were used to run fraudulent transactions and manage fake accounts.
How the Cyber Fraud Racket Worked
According to investigators, the gang allegedly supplied mule accounts, SIM cards, and ATM cards to cybercriminals. These accounts were then used in scams such as:
- Fake investment schemes
- Part-time job scams
- Gaming app related fraud
- Online payment frauds
Mule accounts are bank accounts opened or used by another person to hide the real fraudsters and move stolen money quickly.
Key Locations in the Investigation
Police raids were reportedly conducted in:
- Delhi
- Noida
- Faridabad
- Ghaziabad
Investigators also found an operational hub in Laxmi Nagar, where a gaming-based call centre was allegedly being run.
Why Mule Accounts Are Dangerous
Cybercriminals often pay people small commissions for access to their bank accounts. Many people do not realize that allowing someone to use their account can lead to:
- Bank account freezing
- Police investigation
- Arrest and criminal charges
- Loss of money and identity misuse
How to Stay Safe
To avoid getting trapped in similar frauds:
- Never rent or sell your bank account.
- Do not share ATM cards or OTPs.
- Avoid suspicious job offers promising easy money.
- Verify investment schemes carefully.
- Report cyber fraud on 1930 or cybercrime.gov.in.
Conclusion
The arrest of 14 accused in Delhi highlights how organized cyber fraud networks misuse mule accounts to scam people across India. Police continue to investigate the larger network and possible links to more victims.
