GUWAHATI: Police from Gorchuk Police Station in Guwahati arrested eight individuals linked to a cyber fraud operation folowing a raid at a lodge in Boragaon near Apollo Excelcare Hospital.
The raid, conducted at Talukdar Hotels & Lodge under Inspector Mayurjit Gogoi, uncovered a network of cybercriminals allegedly involved in setting up “mule bank accounts” to facilitate fraudulent transactions. Fifteen individuals were initially detained
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Preliminary questioning revealed that some of the detained individuals were part of a scheme to obtain bank accounts from vulnerable individuals under the pretense of offering financial benefits. These accounts, known as ‘mule accounts’, were then operated by the fraudsters, enabling them to move illicit funds undetected. The accused reportedly paid account holders 20% of the total funds transacted through their accounts, with intermediaries receiving up to ₹1 lakh for each account provided.
Following a detailed investigation, eight individuals were formally arrested, with four placed under a three-day police remand. Among the accused are Shah Alam (29) from Banglipara, Barpeta (3-day police remand), Azizul Hoque (25) from Jagirpam Goramari Pathar, Barpeta (3-day police remand), Alamin Khan (25) from Betbari, Barpeta, Rubul Hussain Khan (37) from Chakir Bhita, Barpeta (3-day police remand), Kaji Saddam Hussain (32) from Datta Kuchi, Barpeta Sadar, Abdul Kalam (31) from Jugir Pam, Barpeta Sadar (3-day police remand), Azim Uddin Ali (37) from Raipur, Barpeta Road, and Hasan Ali (36) from Sokirbhitha, Barpeta.
Additionally, seven others were issued notices under BNSS 2023 Section 35(3) to appear for further questioning as the investigation unfolds.
During the raid, police recovered a substantial amount of evidence indicating extensive cyber fraud activities. Items seized include:
- 31 mobile handsets, 4 hard disks, and 1 laptop
- 36 ATM cards and 21 cheque books of various banks
- 5 four-wheelers and 1 bike
- Various tools, including screwdrivers, wrenches, and stamps
The gang targeted individuals, mainly from lower economic backgrounds, persuading them to open bank accounts with promises of commissions. These accounts were then used by the criminals, who provided fake mobile numbers to avoid detection. Linked mobile numbers allowed the cybercriminals to activate mobile banking and conduct transactions without the account holders’ knowledge.
This gang's sophisticated techniques and reliance on unsuspecting account holders have helped them evade tracking by law enforcement. The police caution that account holders may still be held legally responsible for allowing their accounts to be used for cybercrimes, reinforcing the risks involved.
Further interrogation has revealed that the group was involved in numerous cybercrime schemes targeting victims across India, including fraud through online gaming platforms. By offering commissions on deposits made into these mule accounts, they concealed the true sources of funds, potentially impacting numerous unsuspecting victims.
Further investigations in the case are underway.
