GUWAHATI: The Guwahati police have warned residents sternly against opening bank accounts and handing over control to others in exchange for monetary benefits after arresting four persons in connection with such crime in the city.
Addressing a press conference in the city on Tuesday, September 3, Commissioner of Police Diganta Barah threw light on the investigation that revealed a widespread cybercrime operation involving the use of such accounts, commonly referred to as "mule accounts."
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According to the CP, mule accounts are used by cybercriminals to conduct illegal transactions, making it difficult for law enforcement agencies to trace the perpetrators. The account holders, often unsuspecting individuals, end up becoming liable for the fraudulent activities carried out in their names and could face legal consequences, including arrest.
The investigation began after Rahit Ali, a resident of Islampatty, Uzan Bazar, lodged an FIR against his acquaintance, Bablu Das, in December 2023. Ali alleged that Das, also from Uzan Bazar, convinced him to open a bank account at the Federal Bank’s Christian Basti branch. Ali complied, providing his Aadhar Card, PAN Card, and signature, after which Das took possession of the account’s passbook, cheque book, and ATM card, promising to return them after a few days.
However, when Ali requested the return of his bank documents, Das refused. Ali later discovered that multiple unlawful transactions had been conducted using his account. The police arrested Bablu Das, who confessed during interrogation that he had been collecting bank accounts on behalf of a man named Anvesh Chandra from Dispur.
Chandra, who was also arrested, revealed that he had been paying Das Rs. 5,000 for each account kit. These kits were then sent to Chandra’s associates in other states and abroad, mainly in Dubai, where they were used for cybercriminal activities. Chandra further admitted to employing several agents, including Chinmoy Chakraborty and Abinash Mahato, who were also arrested, to target vulnerable individuals, particularly those from lower economic backgrounds.
The police’s search of the flat rented by Chandra and his associates in Hatigaon led to the recovery of a significant number of bank documents, SIM cards, mobile phones, and foreign currency. The operation highlights the evolving tactics of cybercriminals, who are increasingly exploiting genuine bank accounts instead of creating fake ones, which are more likely to arouse suspicion among bank officials.
The police have urged the public to be vigilant and not to fall prey to such schemes, emphasising that anyone who allows their bank account to be used in cybercrime could face severe legal repercussions. The authorities continue investigating the case and are working to identify and apprehend others involved in the operation.