PM Mudra Loan Cyber Fraud Racket Uncovered in Patna: 3 Arrested

Post Views: 10

Patna Police have dismantled an organized cyber fraud operation linked to the Prime Minister’s Mudra Loan Scheme and other government financial initiatives, resulting in the arrest of three suspects, including a woman.

Arrest of Three Suspects

The investigation revealed that the accused operated under false pretenses, using deceptive online platforms to target individuals seeking government-backed financial assistance. The arrested individuals, identified as Akshay Kumar from Nawada district, Shivam Kumar from Gaya district, and Rimjhim Kumari from Patna, were apprehended following a coordinated raid by the Cyber Crime and Security Unit (CCSU) and local police.

Investigation and Recovery

During the operation, authorities recovered 14 mobile devices, one laptop, one tablet, 15 ATM cards, five cheque books, four passbooks, seven SIM cards, three notebooks, and ₹6.08 lakh in cash. The seizure occurred after intelligence indicated the presence of a fraudulent network operating from a rented property in Yogipur, under the jurisdiction of the Patrakar Nagar police station. According to investigators, the suspects had been orchestrating the scheme for approximately one year.

Fraudulent Tactics Unveiled

They created counterfeit websites and misleading online advertisements purporting to offer government loans and welfare benefits. These platforms collected personal data through fabricated application forms, which were then exploited to deceive victims. The accused allegedly contacted individuals posing as representatives of a loan processing office, informing them of supposed approval and demanding fees. For loans up to ₹1 lakh, victims were reportedly charged ₹2,000 as a processing fee. Once payments were made, the perpetrators issued forged loan approval documents via email, falsely claiming disbursements ranging from ₹50,000 to multiple lakhs. However, no legitimate funds were ever transferred. The stolen money was allegedly funneled through digital wallets before being converted into cash through Customer Service Points (CSPs). This cash was then intended for redistribution across multiple bank accounts.

Expert Insights and Public Advisory

According to investigators, the suspects had been orchestrating the scheme for approximately one year.

A cybercrime expert and former IPS officer, Prof. Triveni Singh, highlighted the recurring tactic of fraudsters leveraging government program names to exploit public trust. He emphasized that all financial transactions should be conducted exclusively through verified government portals and advised individuals to independently validate the authenticity of online advertisements, messages, or QR codes before initiating payments.

Ongoing Investigations and Public Caution

The case underscores the growing sophistication of cybercriminal networks targeting financial vulnerabilities. Authorities continue to investigate potential links to broader fraud ecosystems, while urging the public to remain vigilant against unsolicited offers of government assistance.