In a major crackdown, the Cyber Crime Branch on Wednesday arrested two more individuals involved in the purchase and sale of mule bank accounts used by cybercriminals in elaborate “digital arrest” scams. This brings the total number of arrests to eight in connection with a racket that duped a victim of ₹68.49 lakh.
Modus Operandi: “Digital Arrest” Scam
The con involved cybercriminals impersonating Mumbai Crime Branch officials, falsely accusing the victim of sending a 200 mg MD drug parcel. They claimed he was also being investigated under money laundering charges. Under this fabricated pretext and psychological pressure, the scammers coerced the victim into transferring a huge sum into mule accounts, eventually siphoning off ₹68.49 lakh.
Fresh Arrests: The Bhatt Brothers
The two newly arrested accused:
- Vishal Bhatt (25) – a graduate
- Yashpal Bhatt (21) – a Class 12 student
both hail from Bhilwara, Rajasthan.
They were found in possession of mobile phones and SIM cards linked to mule bank accounts. Investigation revealed:
- They purchased mule bank accounts from Namo Narayan Meena
- Sold them to cyber gangs abroad via Telegram
- Earned 20% commission per transaction
Previously Arrested Key Players:
- Rajendra Kumar Meena (Sawai Madhopur, Rajasthan) – The mule account was in his name, opened using forged documents.
- Lokesh Saini (Jaipur) – A bank employee who helped facilitate fake accounts.
- Abdul Kadir & Abdul Rehman (Kerala) – Withdrew and handed over cash to cyber gangs.
- Namo Narayan Meena (Rajasthan) – Sourced and sold mule accounts.
- Dubradala Sikka (Odisha) – A mule account holder.
- Rohit Turuk (Odisha) – Purchased mule account from Sikka.
- Nohd Shafi – Involved in cash withdrawal and handover.
Police Action:
- Mule accounts were traced through forensic digital tracking.
- The racket is said to have international links, operating through encrypted apps like Telegram.
- A wider inter-state and possibly international nexus is under the scanner, with police teams expanding operations in Rajasthan, Odisha, Kerala, and other states.
This breakthrough highlights the growing menace of mule accounts and the psychological manipulation tactics cyber fraudsters are using. Authorities urge the public to never share personal documents, remain cautious of unsolicited calls claiming to be from law enforcement, and to report suspicious activity immediately.
