Navi Mumbai Police Uncover ₹11.5 Crore Cyber Fraud Linked to Three Bank Accounts

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Navi Mumbai Police have initiated a criminal investigation into a cybercrime operation involving three bank accounts used to process and transfer illicit funds from online fraud schemes totaling approximately ₹11.5 crore.

Investigation Details

The case was triggered by the registration of a First Information Report (FIR) against individuals suspected of facilitating financial transactions for an organized cybercriminal network. Investigators allege that the accounts functioned as mule accounts, serving as intermediaries for a structured cybercrime syndicate.

Role of Mule Accounts

These accounts were reportedly linked to approximately 1,450 cybercrime complaints filed nationwide between November 2025 and February 2026. The FIR details that the account holders and operators knowingly participated in receiving, concealing, and redistributing funds obtained through various fraudulent activities, positioning them as potential members of an organized criminal group.

Financial Analysis

A financial analysis conducted by Maharashtra Cyber indicated that nearly ₹18.8 crore passed through the three accounts before being withdrawn or transferred, suggesting the possibility of unreported fraudulent activity beyond the confirmed complaints.

Law Enforcement Response

Law enforcement officials highlighted that the use of mule accounts is a common tactic among cybercriminals to distance themselves from stolen funds. These accounts often serve as temporary repositories, allowing perpetrators to disperse proceeds across multiple financial institutions to evade detection.

Expert Advice

Cybercrime experts emphasize that mule accounts are critical to the operational efficiency of large-scale fraud networks. A former IPS officer and cybersecurity analyst noted that such methods enable criminals to rapidly move stolen funds through layered transactions, often before authorities can freeze the accounts.

The expert advised the public to avoid sharing bank details, including account numbers, ATM cards, or internet banking credentials, with anyone, regardless of the financial incentives offered.

Public Warnings and Legal Consequences

Authorities reiterated that individuals who knowingly permit their accounts to be used for illicit transactions may face legal consequences under existing cybercrime legislation. Victims of online fraud are urged to report incidents immediately through the National Cyber Crime Helpline (1930) or the National Cyber Crime Reporting Portal to enhance the likelihood of recovering funds and tracing criminal activity.