A recent statewide review meeting led by Gujarat’s Deputy Chief Minister and Home Minister, Harsh Sanghavi, paved the way for a significant crackdown on cybercrime-related financial networks in the state. Dubbed ‘Operation Mule Hunt 2.0’, the operation was initiated on June 2 following the meeting. Data reveals that from January 16 to June 13, 118 FIRs were filed in Gujarat, resulting in the arrest of 238 individuals.
The operation targeted mule bank accounts used by cybercriminals to facilitate online fraud transactions. Across India, 1,326 such accounts were flagged, with 5,124 cybercrime-linked acknowledgment numbers identified. An amount totaling approximately Rs 2,562.83 crore was traced through these accounts. The Cyber Centre of Excellence in Gandhinagar recorded the highest financial exposure during the operation, with transactions amounting to Rs 802.28 crore.
Various districts in Gujarat saw enforcement actions against mule accounts and acknowledgment numbers linked to substantial sums. For instance, Anand district uncovered transactions worth Rs 770.38 crore, while Patan district revealed a financial trail amounting to Rs 398.43 crore. Gir Somnath district identified transactions worth Rs 319 crore, and Amreli traced around Rs 107.48 crore through mule accounts.
In Surat City, significant enforcement activities were recorded, with 58 FIRs filed and 77 arrests made. Mehsana registered 12 FIRs and identified 872 acknowledgment numbers, showcasing a high count in the state. Ahmedabad City, Vadodara City, and Rajkot City also saw enforcement actions against mule accounts. The ongoing second phase of ‘Operation Mule Hunt’ has already surpassed the financial discoveries of its predecessor, highlighting the extensive financial infrastructure supporting cyber fraud networks in the country.
