Mumbai Police File FIR in ₹20.97 Lakh Cyber Fraud Case

The Mumbai Police have registered a First Information Report (FIR) against the holder of a mule bank account opened with Axis Bank and several associates for allegedly facilitating cyber fraud. The account was used to collect, route, and withdraw money cheated from victims across the country.

The probe stems from a digital arrest case registered in February involving a 78-year-old Mulund resident, Thomas Mathew Pulikottil. Fraudsters allegedly impersonated investigators probing a money laundering case linked to Jet Airways founder Naresh Goyal and falsely claimed that a Canara Bank account in Pulikottil's name had been used in a Rs 2 crore fraud.

Acting out of fear, Pulikottil transferred Rs 1.16 crore to multiple accounts and even sold his flat to raise funds. During an analysis of money trails, mule accounts, and withdrawal patterns, the police identified the Axis Bank account that had received substantial amounts linked to cyber fraud.

According to the National Cyber Crime Reporting Portal (NCCRP) database, five complaints are linked to the account. Officials found that about Rs 20.97 lakh had been routed through it and later withdrawn using cheques before being disposed of.

The police used the NCCRP database and the SAMVANYA portal to trace the stolen money through a money trail. The SAMVANYA portal records transactions involving alleged mule accounts, including cheque and ATM withdrawals.

The complainant in the case is Police Constable Santosh Gopichand Wagh, 49, attached to the Cyber Police Station, East Region. The police are investigating the case and have registered an FIR against the holder of the mule account and several associates.

The use of mule accounts is a common tactic used by cyber fraudsters to launder money. The accounts are often opened in the name of unsuspecting individuals who are then used to route and withdraw stolen funds.

The Mumbai Police have urged citizens to be cautious when receiving calls or messages from unknown individuals claiming to be investigators. They have also advised people to verify the authenticity of such calls before taking any action.

The registration of the FIR in this case is a significant step in the investigation and highlights the efforts of the Mumbai Police to crack down on cyber fraud.

The case is a reminder of the importance of being vigilant when it comes to financial transactions and the need to report any suspicious activity to the authorities.

In recent years, there has been a surge in cyber fraud cases in Mumbai, with many residents falling prey to such scams. The Mumbai Police have been working to combat this menace and have registered several cases against cyber fraudsters.

The investigation into the case is ongoing, and the police are working to identify the individuals involved in the scam and bring them to justice.

The Mumbai Police have appealed to citizens to come forward and report any instances of cyber fraud. They have also assured that all complaints will be investigated thoroughly and action will be taken against those found guilty.

The case has highlighted the need for increased awareness about cyber fraud and the importance of taking precautions to prevent such scams. The Mumbai Police have organized several awareness programs to educate citizens about the dangers of cyber fraud and how to prevent it.

In conclusion, the registration of the FIR in this case is a significant step in the investigation and highlights the efforts of the Mumbai Police to combat cyber fraud. The case is a reminder of the importance of being vigilant when it comes to financial transactions and the need to report any suspicious activity to the authorities.