Pune Police Arrests Main Supplier of Mule Accounts in ₹150 Crore Cyber Fraud

A major cyber fraud racket that cheated people across the country of nearly ₹150 crore has been busted by the Pimpri-Chinchwad police. The alleged main supplier of mule bank accounts, Sachin Sanjay Kale, a 25-year-old resident of Moshi, has been arrested.

The Cyber Cell of Alandi Police Station under the Pimpri-Chinchwad Police Commissionerate carried out the operation, acting on a tip-off. Kale was detained near Godown Chowk in Moshi after it was discovered that a savings account at the Cosmos Bank branch in Alandi was being used to receive money obtained through online fraud.

During the investigation, police found suspected cyber fraud transactions worth ₹1.15 crore across nine bank accounts operated by Kale. It is alleged that Kale had opened accounts in nine different banks in his name and handed over control of these accounts to cybercriminals in exchange for a commission. He would then withdraw the money through ATMs and cheques before delivering the cash to members of the gang.

According to data from the National Cyber Crime Reporting Portal, at least 65 victims from different parts of the country were cheated through the racket. The total fraud amount is estimated to be around ₹150 crore, with ₹1.15 crore traced to Kale's accounts. Two cases have been registered against him.

Deputy Commissioner of Police (Zone 3) Maruti Jagtap has urged citizens not to allow unknown persons to use their bank accounts, ATM cards or SIM cards. He warned that cybercriminals often lure people with promises of easy money and use their accounts to route fraudulent funds. Accepting money from unknown sources and withdrawing it on behalf of others can amount to a serious criminal offence, he said.

The arrest of Sachin Kale is a significant breakthrough in the case, and the police are continuing their investigation to apprehend other members of the gang. The incident highlights the need for citizens to be cautious when dealing with online transactions and to be aware of the risks of cyber fraud.

The Pimpri-Chinchwad police have advised citizens to be vigilant and not to fall prey to promises of easy money. They have also warned against allowing unknown persons to use their bank accounts or ATM cards, as this can lead to serious consequences.

The case is a reminder of the growing threat of cybercrime in the country and the need for law enforcement agencies to be proactive in combating such crimes. The police are working to prevent such incidents and to bring those responsible to justice.

In conclusion, the arrest of Sachin Kale is an important step in the fight against cybercrime, and the police will continue to work to prevent such incidents and to protect citizens from falling prey to online scams.