Odisha Police Busts ₹3 Crore Cyber Fraud Racket in Nuapada, Arrests Six
Odisha Police Dismantle ₹3 Crore Cyber Fraud Ring, Arrest Six Suspects
A recent crackdown by the Odisha Police has resulted in the arrest of six individuals involved in a complex financial fraud scheme, with estimated losses totaling ₹3 crore. The operation was part of the state’s ongoing efforts to combat organized cybercrime networks that utilize mule bank accounts to facilitate illicit transactions.
The Investigation
The arrests were made following an extensive investigation conducted by the CID-Crime Branch under the “Cyber Kavach” initiative. The probe was initiated based on intelligence inputs from the Indian Cyber Crime Coordination Centre (I4C) and the district cyber cell.
A specialized cybercrime team conducted digital tracking, account verification, and field-level investigation before launching the raid, which resulted in the seizure of six mobile phones, bank transaction records, ATM cards, financial documents, and other incriminating materials.
Three of the arrested individuals were found to be directly responsible for maintaining the fraudulent accounts, while the other three acted as intermediaries, helping to move the illicit funds.
The Extent of the Fraud
Preliminary estimates suggest that the total financial loss caused by the racket could be around ₹3 crore, with investigators not ruling out the possibility of interstate connections. Further inquiry is underway to identify additional individuals linked to the network.
The Use of Mule Bank Accounts
The use of mule bank accounts is a common tactic employed by modern cybercrime operations, allowing criminals to conceal the origin of illicit funds and making it difficult to trace the transactions. These accounts are often created or rented using fake identities, highlighting the need for increased vigilance and awareness among the public.
Warning to the Public
Citizens are advised to exercise caution when dealing with unknown online investment offers, social media financial schemes, and suspicious money-transfer requests. Sharing OTPs, banking credentials, or personal identification details with strangers can have serious consequences, and individuals involved in renting or selling bank accounts may face criminal prosecution for supporting organized cybercrime syndicates.
The arrested suspects are believed to have been part of a structured fraud ecosystem, and further arrests may follow as the investigation expands. The cybercrime unit is currently analyzing bank networks and mobile communication records to uncover the full scale of the racket.
The public is urged to report suspicious online activities immediately through official cybercrime helplines or local police channels. Experts emphasize that awareness and digital vigilance remain the strongest defense against evolving cyber fraud tactics.
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