The Bilaspur Range Cyber Police have busted an alleged mule bank account network suspected of helping cyber fraudsters route and withdraw money obtained through online scams. Six people have been arrested after investigators traced suspicious transactions and cybercrime complaints across multiple states.

According to the police investigation, bank accounts linked to the accused were allegedly provided to cybercriminals in exchange for commissions. Investigators found connections to around 50 cyber-fraud complaints registered in different states, involving suspected financial fraud of nearly ₹4 crore.

The case highlights how so-called mule accounts — legitimate bank accounts allegedly controlled or used by third parties to receive and move illicit funds — are increasingly being used to complicate the money trail in cybercrime cases.

₹2.20 Crore Transaction in 25 Days

The investigation began after suspicious activity was detected in an account associated with Ajay Farm House at the Chhattisgarh Gramin Bank's Mangla branch.

A police-linked report said that between May 18 and June 12, 2026, more than ₹2.20 crore was recorded as suspicious transactions in the account over just 25 days.

The bank's internal scrutiny reportedly indicated that the account was being used to receive and transfer funds suspected to be linked to cyber fraud.

The bank subsequently shared relevant records with the Range Cyber Police, helping investigators begin tracing the wider network.

Accounts Allegedly Provided for Commission

Police allege that members of the network approached people and persuaded them to provide or open bank accounts in return for financial incentives.

The accused allegedly offered account holders commissions of around ₹20,000 to ₹25,000, along with a percentage of transactions. The source report puts the alleged share at around 2.8% per transaction.

After the accounts were made available, investigators allege that access to mobile banking, internet banking and related banking facilities was handed over to the operators.

Fraud proceeds could then be transferred into the accounts before being withdrawn or moved onward, making it harder for investigators to immediately identify the original beneficiaries of the fraud.

Six People Arrested

The Range Cyber Police arrested six people as part of the investigation.

Police questioning allegedly led investigators from account holder Ajay Kumar Soni to other suspected members of the network, including Narendra Kurre and Raipur-based Devesh Kumar Das alias Robin.

Police are investigating the specific roles played by each accused and their links with other people who may have supplied or operated bank accounts.

A police-linked report said the arrested suspects were allegedly involved in arranging accounts in the names of ordinary people and making them available for cybercrime-related transactions.

Cybercrime Complaints Across States

The investigation has widened beyond Bilaspur after police found that the bank accounts were allegedly connected with complaints from different parts of the country.

Around 50 cybercrime complaints across multiple states have been linked to the accounts under investigation, with the suspected fraudulent transactions estimated at nearly ₹4 crore.

Police are now examining transaction records and other digital evidence to establish how the money moved between accounts and identify the wider cybercrime network.

What Is a Mule Bank Account?

A mule account is generally a legitimate bank account that is allegedly used by another person or group to receive, transfer or withdraw illegally obtained money.

Such accounts can make cybercrime investigations more difficult because the account receiving the money may not belong to the person who carried out the original fraud.

The Indian Cybercrime Coordination Centre (I4C) has also issued advisories on different forms of account and digital-account misuse and advises citizens to avoid sharing sensitive banking information or credentials with unknown people.

The National Cybercrime Reporting Portal allows citizens to report financial fraud and other cyber offences.

Police Checking Wider Network

The six arrested suspects have been produced before a court and sent to judicial custody, according to the report.

Investigators are now examining the role of additional people who may have helped recruit account holders, operate the accounts or transfer the money.

Police are also expected to examine transaction trails, digital devices, account credentials and other financial records to determine the full scale of the alleged network.

The Bilaspur case underlines a growing challenge for cybercrime investigators: online fraud does not always end with the account from which money is stolen. Tracing the accounts used to receive and move the money can be equally important in dismantling the wider network.

A trader from Rewa has allegedly been duped of nearly ₹20,000 after placing an online order for edible oil through a business-to-business trade portal. The victim transferred the payment after confirming the order, but neither received the goods nor managed to contact the seller, prompting a police complaint and a cyber fraud investigation.

The incident was reported under the Civil Lines police station limits, where authorities have begun examining bank transaction details and other digital evidence to trace the accused.

Order Placed Through Trade Portal

According to the complaint, the victim, Nilesh Kumar Tripathi, a resident of Dhekha area in Rewa, had placed an order for Sikka-brand edible oil for business purposes through a profile operating under the name Shree Balaji Traders on the TradeIndia portal.

After the order was confirmed, the trader transferred approximately ₹20,000 online to complete the purchase.

Delivery Never Arrived

Despite making the payment, the ordered consignment was never delivered.

When the trader attempted to contact the seller using the mobile number provided on the portal, he reportedly found that his number had been blocked. Calls made from another phone also went unanswered.

Suspecting that he had fallen victim to an online fraud, the trader approached the Civil Lines police station and lodged a formal complaint.

Police Begin Investigation

Police have registered the complaint and initiated an inquiry into the matter.

Investigators are examining bank transaction records, payment details, the mobile numbers used during the transaction and other technical evidence to identify those involved in the alleged fraud.

Officials are also verifying the authenticity of the seller's profile and related digital records linked to the online transaction.

Police Issue Advisory

Civil Lines police station in-charge Vijay Singh confirmed that a complaint regarding an online cheating case involving approximately ₹20,000 had been received.

He said the investigation is underway and that police are analysing the financial transaction trail along with other electronic evidence.

The officer also advised traders and consumers to verify the credibility of online sellers before making advance payments, particularly during business transactions conducted through digital platforms.

He urged citizens to immediately report any suspected cyber fraud by contacting the National Cyber Crime Helpline at 1930 or approaching the nearest police station.

Growing Concern Over Online Business Frauds

The incident highlights the increasing risks associated with online commercial transactions, where fraudsters allegedly create fake business profiles to lure buyers into making advance payments.

Cybercrime experts advise businesses to verify company credentials, check GST registration details, review seller ratings, and avoid making full advance payments without proper verification.

Police have appealed to traders to exercise caution while dealing with unfamiliar vendors and to promptly report suspicious online activities to help prevent financial fraud.

A family in Chhattisgarh's Balod district allegedly lost over ₹13.13 lakh after fraudsters posing as astrologers promised to cure a stage-IV cancer patient through religious rituals and spiritual practices. Police have registered a case against several accused from Uttar Pradesh and launched an investigation into the alleged fraud.

The complaint was filed by 55-year-old Premlata Chandrakar, a resident of Sirri village under Ranchirai police station limits. She alleged that the accused exploited her husband's critical illness and emotionally manipulated the family into making repeated online payments over nearly one-and-a-half years.

Television Advertisement Led to Contact

According to the complaint, Premlata came across an advertisement of Pandit Ved Prakash Tiwari's Lakshmi Narayan Jyotish Sanstha on a religious television channel while searching for treatment options for her husband, who has been diagnosed with stage-IV cancer.

After contacting the mobile number displayed in the advertisement, she was allegedly assured that special religious rituals and pujas could completely cure her husband's illness.

Initially, the accused reportedly asked her to transfer ₹30,000 through a QR code, followed by another ₹18,000 payment on November 28, 2024. Thereafter, they continued demanding money under different pretexts, claiming additional rituals were required for recovery.

Family Borrowed Money, Mortgaged Gold

Police said the complainant transferred money through multiple bank accounts, PhonePe, Google Pay and other digital payment platforms between November 2024 and May 2026.

To arrange the money, Premlata allegedly mortgaged her gold jewellery and borrowed funds from relatives and acquaintances.

According to the FIR, payments included:

• ₹2.30 lakh through her daughter Ruhi Chandrakar

• ₹7.40 lakh through acquaintance Aman Dewangan

• ₹2.05 lakh through Chhatrapal Sahu

• Additional transfers through Nehul Nirmal, Tushar Sahu and Jayant Deshmukh

The total amount transferred allegedly reached ₹13,13,673.

Fresh Calls, Promise of Refund

The complainant alleged that after no improvement in her husband's condition, she demanded the money back.

She then reportedly received another call from someone claiming to be Ved Prakash Tiwari, who allegedly stated that some people had misused his institution's name and assured her that the entire amount would be refunded within two months.

However, according to the complaint, no refund was made.

Threatened With CBI and Police Action

The woman further alleged that the accused later contacted her again and claimed that Rahul Tiwari's father had died by suicide, leaving behind a note mentioning her and Ved Prakash Tiwari.

The callers allegedly threatened that if she did not continue making payments, Uttar Pradesh Police, the CBI, and other agencies would implicate her in a murder case.

Police said the complainant transferred additional money out of fear before eventually approaching law enforcement.

Police Register Case

Based on the complaint, Balod Police have registered an FIR against Ved Prakash Tiwari, Srijan Tiwari, Rahul Tiwari and other unidentified persons.

Additional Superintendent of Police Monika Thakur said a case has been registered under relevant provisions of the Bharatiya Nyaya Sanhita (BNS) relating to cheating and common intention. Investigators are examining the financial transactions, bank accounts and digital payment records submitted by the complainant.

Police said efforts are underway to identify and arrest all those involved in the alleged fraud.

The investigation is continuing.

The Madhya Pradesh High Court has expressed serious concern over the growing number of cyber fraud cases in the country, observing that while cybercriminals can siphon off victims' life savings within minutes, law enforcement agencies often take far longer to investigate such crimes.

Hearing a petition related to a ₹6.25 lakh cyber fraud involving an elderly resident of Jabalpur, the court emphasized the need for faster, technology-driven investigations and stronger coordination among police forces, financial institutions, and government agencies.

Justice Vishal Dhagat, who was hearing the matter, remarked that the existing pace of investigation was inadequate to deal with the rapidly evolving nature of cybercrime.

DGPs of Three States Asked to Appear

In a significant move, the High Court directed the Directors General of Police (DGPs) of West Bengal, Jharkhand, and Assam to appear before the court through video conferencing on July 31.

The court also instructed the Superintendent of Police (SP), Jabalpur, to remain personally present during the next hearing.

During the proceedings, the Bench expressed dissatisfaction over the absence of certain officials despite earlier directions, indicating the need for greater accountability in handling cybercrime investigations.

Court Calls for Centralised Cyber Investigation System

The High Court observed that cybercrime investigations often suffer because multiple agencies operate independently without adequate coordination.

To address this challenge, the court directed the Central Government, banks, and investigating agencies to work towards establishing a centralised mechanism for cybercrime investigation.

According to the court, a unified system could significantly improve information sharing, accelerate investigations, and ensure quicker relief for victims of online financial fraud.

Technology and Policing Must Work Together

Justice Dhagat observed that cybercrime has become increasingly sophisticated and cannot be tackled effectively through conventional policing alone.

The court stressed that advanced technological expertise should be integrated with policing systems to improve the detection, investigation, and prosecution of cybercriminals.

The observations reflect growing judicial concern over the increasing complexity of digital financial crimes and the need for law enforcement agencies to strengthen their cyber capabilities.

Assam Police Appreciated

While expressing dissatisfaction with delays in investigation, the High Court also acknowledged an example of effective inter-state coordination.

The court appreciated the Assam Police for arresting the main accused in the case within 11 days and handing over the accused to the Madhya Pradesh Police.

According to the Bench, such prompt cooperation between state police forces demonstrates how coordinated action can significantly improve the fight against cybercrime.

Key Observations Made by the Court

During the hearing, the High Court made several important observations:

• Cybercriminals are capable of causing substantial financial losses within minutes.
• Police and investigating agencies must adopt technology-driven methods to speed up investigations.
• A national-level centralised cybercrime investigation framework should be developed.
• Better coordination among states is essential to ensure the swift arrest of accused persons.
• Victims of cyber fraud should receive timely investigation and relief through an efficient system.

Next Hearing on July 31

The matter has now been listed for July 31, when the DGPs of West Bengal, Jharkhand, and Assam are expected to present their responses before the court through video conferencing. The Jabalpur Superintendent of Police has also been directed to appear in person.

The outcome of the next hearing could influence future measures aimed at strengthening cybercrime investigations and improving coordination among states in tackling online financial fraud.

Treasure Tale Trap

Police in Chhattisgarh's Durg district have arrested five individuals for allegedly running an elaborate fake gold racket, where they lured victims with stories of buried treasure before selling counterfeit biscuits at half the market price. The arrests were made from Utai police station area following a complaint from a local resident.

The accused would convince people that they had stumbled upon a hidden pot of gold underground, complete with old coins and golden biscuits. Once they gained trust, they offered to sell the metal at unusually low rates—claiming it was genuine gold recovered from ancestral treasure.

Half-Price Lure That Worked

The masterminds specifically targeted rural areas where residents might be more susceptible to such stories. Their pitch was simple: why pay full market price when you could own the same gold for half the cost?

Investigations revealed that the gang manufactured the fake gold themselves, using a combination of metals that closely resembled the real thing in appearance. The biscuits looked convincing enough to pass casual inspection, and the promise of quick profits did the rest.

Victim's Suspicion Led to Arrests

The breakthrough came when Jitendra Sahu, a resident of Borsi, grew suspicious after an initial transaction. According to police sources, the accused had first sold him fake gold worth Rs 10,000. They then claimed to have more—much more—from the same "discovery" and offered it at half the prevailing market rate.

Instead of falling for the expanded offer, Sahu alerted authorities. Police laid a trap and arrested Dinesh Kumar Tandon (50), Pannalal Kurre (42), Ganeshram Gandharv (56), Ramswaroop Raute (30), and Bhanupratap Dahria (40).

What Police Recovered

Authorities seized approximately 1.242 kg of gold-like counterfeit metal biscuits from the accused. A fake coin, a WagonR car used in the crime, and several mobile phones were also confiscated.

Preliminary investigation suggests the gang has been active across multiple districts. Pannalal reportedly has a history of similar offences, while Tandon faces prior cases related to assault and property crimes.

Lab Test Underway

ASP Rural Manishankar Chandra confirmed that the seized fake gold has been sent to a forensic lab for analysis. "Only after the lab report arrives will it be clear which metals were used to manufacture the counterfeit biscuits," he said.

Police are now investigating whether the gang operated in other parts of Chhattisgarh and neighbouring Madhya Pradesh. Three of the accused—Pannalal from Korba, Ganeshram from Kawardha, and Ramswaroop from Madhya Pradesh's Dindori district—hail from outside Durg, suggesting a wider network.

Public Caution Advised

Officials have urged residents, particularly in rural pockets, to exercise caution when approached with such claims. No buried treasure, police note, comes with a half-price discount.

Malaysian couriers allegedly used to route fraudulently activated SIM cards to Cambodian cybercrime operators

Massive Probe Triggered

The Enforcement Directorate has cracked open what investigators are calling one of the more elaborate cross-border cyber fraud operations linked to India in recent years. Acting under the Prevention of Money Laundering Act, the agency conducted raids across seven locations in Rajasthan and Punjab beginning June 5 — targeting a network that allegedly funnelled thousands of Indian SIM cards to Cambodia, where criminal outfits used them to run large-scale scams against Indian citizens.

The investigation was triggered by an FIR registered at the Jodhpur Cyber Police Station. Search operations spanned Kishangarh, Nagaur and Jodhpur in Rajasthan, as well as Ludhiana in Punjab. Agencies seized documents, digital evidence, multiple electronic devices and 14 mobile phones during the raids.

36,000 SIM Cards, 5,300 Fraud Links

The scale of the operation only became clear once investigators began analysing mobile data. Of roughly 2,30,000 suspicious numbers put under the scanner, nearly 36,000 Indian SIM cards were found to be active in Cambodia. Around 5,300 of those were directly traceable to cyber fraud cases filed in India — numbers used to facilitate scams running into hundreds of crores of rupees.

That's not a small leak in the system. It points to a sustained, organised supply chain that kept pushing Indian mobile numbers into foreign hands over a significant period.

How the Racket Was Structured

According to the ED, SIM vendors at the centre of this network exploited their access to telecom Point of Sale IDs to sign up targets. People — often from less educated or economically vulnerable backgrounds — were approached with offers of free SIM porting or new connections. What followed was straightforward but brazen: additional SIM cards were activated using the same documents, without the individuals' knowledge or consent.

Those extra SIM cards were then handed over to Malaysian nationals, who acted as couriers moving the cards out of India and into Cambodia. Once there, cybercrime operators used the Indian mobile numbers to carry out "digital arrest" frauds and various other online cheating schemes — all while appearing to contact victims from what looked like legitimate Indian numbers.

The 'Digital Arrest' Angle

The use of Indian SIM cards for digital arrest scams is particularly significant. In these frauds, callers impersonate law enforcement officials — CBI officers, customs agents, narcotics bureau personnel — and tell victims they are under investigation. Victims are kept on video calls for hours, sometimes days, told not to speak to anyone, and pressured into transferring large sums of money. The use of Indian mobile numbers lends the scam a veneer of credibility that makes victims less likely to hang up.

Having a local number flash on the screen has, in several documented cases, been the difference between a victim falling for the fraud or suspecting something off.

Rajasthan and Punjab in Focus

The geographic spread of the raids — covering both Rajasthan and Punjab — suggests the SIM activation network was not concentrated in one place. Kishangarh and Nagaur in Rajasthan, alongside Ludhiana in Punjab, are all areas with active telecom retail ecosystems, making them viable bases for POS-level fraud operations.

The ED has not yet named specific accused publicly, but the seizure of 14 mobile phones alongside digital evidence suggests the agency is working to establish communication chains and financial trails that could expand the scope of arrests.

What Comes Next

With money laundering charges in play, the ED's focus will likely shift toward tracing proceeds from the fraud network — identifying how payments moved from victims to the Cambodia-based operators, and whether any funds were repatriated or laundered through Indian accounts. Given the PMLA framework, asset attachment proceedings could follow as the investigation deepens.

For ordinary SIM card holders, the case is also a reminder that documents submitted even for routine telecom requests can, under the right conditions of negligence or fraud, end up enabling crimes thousands of kilometres away.

In a major crackdown on suspected illegal transport of precious metals, police in Chhattisgarh’s Mahasamund district seized more than 7.5 kilograms of gold jewellery worth over Rs 9 crore from a luxury car fitted with a secret chamber. Three men from Gujarat were detained after failing to produce valid documents related to the gold consignment.

The operation was carried out late Sunday night during vehicle checking on National Highway-353 near the Rehtikhol check post under the Singoda police station limits. Officials said police personnel were conducting routine checking of vehicles entering Chhattisgarh from Odisha when they intercepted a Volkswagen Virtus car bearing Gujarat registration number GJ 03 NP 4230.

Hidden Chamber Found

According to police officials, the occupants of the car appeared nervous during questioning, which raised suspicion among the checking team. The three men identified themselves as Jayesh Akbari, Sunit Karena and Rushi Agrawat, all residents of Rajkot in Gujarat. During a detailed search of the vehicle, police discovered a specially designed secret chamber beneath the rear seat of the car. Inside the hidden compartment, officers recovered two backpack bags containing six plastic containers filled with gold jewellery. Police said the total weight of the recovered ornaments was found to be 7512.488 grams, or more than 7.5 kilograms. The estimated market value of the seized gold jewellery has been pegged at nearly Rs 9.17 crore. The car used for transporting the consignment was also seized and valued at around Rs 10 lakh.

Documents Not Produced

Investigators said the accused could not provide any purchase invoices, ownership proof or transport documents linked to the gold jewellery. Following this, the police confiscated both the gold and the vehicle under relevant legal provisions. Officials stated that the case is being treated seriously due to the high value of the seized material and the suspicious manner in which it was being transported. Police suspect that the gold may have been moved illegally across states to avoid tax scrutiny or for organised smuggling operations. Authorities have informed the Income Tax Department and the Directorate of Revenue Intelligence to examine the financial and legal aspects connected to the consignment. Investigators are now trying to determine the origin of the jewellery and the intended delivery destination. The seizure quickly became part of the Latest News Today cycle as law enforcement agencies intensified monitoring of inter-state movement of high-value goods.

Probe Into Network

Police sources indicated that investigators are also examining whether the accused are linked to a larger smuggling or hawala network operating between Gujarat, Odisha and Chhattisgarh. Call records, financial transactions and travel history of the detained individuals are being verified. Senior officials said the use of a concealed chamber inside the vehicle suggested prior planning and possible involvement in organised illegal transport activities. The accused are currently being questioned, and more arrests may follow depending on the findings of the investigation. The incident has emerged as a major Public Interest Story due to growing concerns over illegal transport of gold and other valuables through interstate highway routes.

Silver Seized In Ambikapur

In a separate operation in Ambikapur, police seized more than 95 kilograms of old silver anklets and 760 used mobile phones from an Omni van during routine checking. Five men from West Bengal were arrested in connection with the recovery. The action was carried out by Gandhinagar police during vehicle checking near Banaras Road. Officials said the vehicle was stopped after police noticed suspicious movement by the occupants during inspection. Upon searching the van, police recovered 95.5 kilograms of old silver anklets packed inside bags along with hundreds of old mobile phones. The accused allegedly failed to provide satisfactory explanations regarding the ownership and transportation of the seized items.

Five Accused Arrested

The arrested individuals have been identified as Sentu Sheikh, Gaffar Sheikh, Asim Sheikh, Ibrahim Sheikh and Mashdul Sheikh, all residents of Murshidabad district in West Bengal. Police suspect the silver ornaments and mobile phones may have been collected through illegal means. Investigators are particularly examining whether the old mobile phones were intended for use in cyber fraud or online scam operations. Officials said the silver jewellery is worth several lakh rupees in the market. A case has been registered against the accused, and all five were produced before a local court before being sent to judicial custody.

Security Agencies Alert

The back-to-back recoveries in Mahasamund and Ambikapur have prompted security and intelligence agencies to step up surveillance on interstate vehicle movement in Chhattisgarh. Police officials said special checking drives are being conducted on major highways and border routes to track suspicious movement of valuables and electronic items. Authorities are also examining whether the two incidents have any connection with larger interstate smuggling or illegal trade networks. Investigators believe organised groups may be using highway routes through Chhattisgarh to transport unaccounted valuables and second-hand electronic devices.

A Raipur doctor has allegedly lost Rs 1.51 lakh to cyber fraudsters who promised high returns through a fake trading scheme and convinced her to transfer money in multiple instalments. The cyber fraud case was reported in Raipur after the victim, a woman doctor working at a private children’s hospital, approached City Kotwali police when the promised returns never arrived.

According to police, the accused contacted the doctor through WhatsApp and projected themselves as investment facilitators offering quick profits through a trading plan. The complainant later realised she had fallen victim to a cyber fraud after the suspects stopped responding and began demanding more money.

WhatsApp contact began

Police said the complainant, Dr Pooja Kishor, works at Balgopal Children Hospital in Raipur and resides in the hospital hostel. She told investigators that on April 24, 2026, she received messages on WhatsApp from two separate mobile numbers.

The senders introduced themselves as persons linked to an investment scheme and claimed they could help her earn substantial returns through online trading. According to the complaint, the messages were designed to build trust and persuade her to invest quickly.

Money sent in parts

After repeated communication, the doctor agreed to transfer funds. Police said the accused allegedly persuaded her to send money through UPI in 13 separate transactions.

The complainant transferred amounts including Rs 22,178, Rs 22,177, Rs 5,000, Rs 22,937, Rs 15,999, Rs 22,937, Rs 10,212 and Rs 29,999, among other payments, taking the total amount to Rs 1,51,439.

Investigators said the money was transferred to multiple accounts linked to Kotak Mahindra Bank and State Bank of India.

Friends’ accounts also used

In her complaint, Dr Kishor told police that her own bank account had a transaction limit of Rs 1 lakh. After she reached that cap, the accused allegedly asked her to continue sending money through other accounts to complete the “investment process”.

She then used the bank accounts of her friends, identified as Lokesh Bandebuchche and Niranjan Sawant, to transfer additional amounts, according to the complaint. Police are now examining those linked transactions as part of the financial trail.

No returns, fraud exposed

The complainant told police she initially expected returns as promised by the accused. However, when no payment was credited back and the suspects continued to ask for more money, she began to suspect fraud.

Officials said she then approached City Kotwali police and filed a written complaint. Based on the complaint, police registered a case and launched a formal probe into the cyber fraud.

Police begin probe

Raipur police have registered an offence under Section 318(4) of the Bharatiya Nyaya Sanhita, 2023, and started an investigation. Officials said they are tracing the mobile numbers used to contact the victim and verifying the bank accounts and UPI IDs that received the funds.

According to officials, investigators are also gathering digital transaction records and technical inputs to identify the accused and determine whether the fraud is linked to a larger organised network.

Rising cyber fraud threat

The case adds to a growing list of cyber fraud complaints involving fake trading and investment schemes being circulated through WhatsApp and social media platforms. Such frauds often target professionals by offering quick returns and using repeated digital contact to gain confidence.

Police have urged the public not to trust investment offers shared through social media without verification. Officials advised people to cross-check financial schemes before transferring money and report suspicious digital activity immediately.

Jharkhand Cyber Criminal Arrested in Jagdalpur: Accused Wanted Across 16 States Finally Nabbed by Bastar Police

A fugitive cyber fraudster, wanted by police across 16 states, has been tracked down and arrested in Jagdalpur — a significant breakthrough in one of India's most expansive digital fraud networks.

The Arrest That Took 16 States to Make Happen

Bastar Police have arrested a Jharkhand-based cyber criminal from Jagdalpur — a man reportedly wanted in connection with fraud cases spanning 16 states across India. The arrest marks a major breakthrough in the ongoing battle against organised digital crime networks that have plagued citizens from Chhattisgarh to the northern plains.

The accused, originally from Jharkhand — a state that has become synonymous with organised cyber fraud operations — had been evading multiple state police forces for an extended period. Jagdalpur, far from his base of operations, was being used as a hideout to escape the widening law enforcement net.

How These Networks Operate

Jharkhand-based cyber fraud syndicates are not random opportunists. They are highly structured criminal enterprises.

Investigators across the country have documented how these networks are divided into distinct modules — one team handling phone calls and impersonation, another managing SIM card procurement, a third controlling bank accounts, and a fourth responsible for layering and withdrawing funds before they can be traced or frozen.

The accused typically pose as bank officials, government representatives, or insurance agents to extract OTPs, banking credentials, and personal financial information from unsuspecting victims. Once money is transferred, it is rapidly moved through multiple accounts across different states — making it extraordinarily difficult to trace.

Across coordinated operations in recent months, police across India have recovered thousands of mobile phones, hundreds of SIM cards, dozens of ATM cards, and handwritten transaction registers that serve as the offline ledgers of a very online crime.

Why Chhattisgarh Is Emerging as a Cyber Crime Hotspot

The arrest in Jagdalpur is not an isolated incident. Chhattisgarh — particularly its tribal belt — is increasingly being used by inter-state criminal networks as a base of operations and a place to lie low after crimes committed elsewhere.

Poor digital literacy, limited banking awareness, and remote geography make both local residents easy victims and local terrain a convenient refuge for operatives fleeing more active investigations in other states.

Bastar Police deserve credit for maintaining active surveillance networks that caught a suspect wanted in 16 different jurisdictions. But the arrest also raises an uncomfortable question — how many more are using Chhattisgarh's remoteness as cover?

The 16-State Trail

Being wanted across 16 states is not a small matter. It means this individual — or the network he operated within — defrauded victims in nearly half of India's states. Each complaint represents a real person who lost real money, often life savings, to a phone call or a fake link.

The national scale of this network underlines why single-state policing of cyber crime is fundamentally inadequate. What Bastar Police caught was not just one man — they caught a thread that leads to a web of fraud stretching from the Northeast to the Northwest of India.

What Happens Next

The accused will now face coordinated interrogation — likely involving cyber crime units from multiple states. His digital devices, SIM cards, and bank account records will be forensically examined to map the full structure of the network he belonged to.

Crucially, investigators will try to identify the masterminds who sit above the foot soldiers. In most Jharkhand-origin cyber fraud cases, the people arrested are operators and callers — not the architects. Finding those architects, dismantling their financing, and prosecuting them under the IT Act and IPC together is the only way to actually slow this down.

One arrest, one hideout, one fugitive caught in Jagdalpur — it matters. But the war on cyber fraud in India has barely begun.