The Cyber Crime Police in East Kutch have dismantled an organized mule account network responsible for routing over Rs 182 crore through 81 bank accounts to facilitate cyber fraud in multiple states. Four individuals, including Yash Bhatia, Siddharth Soni, Sahil Sharma, and Alpesh Luhar, have been apprehended in connection with the case. Another suspect is already in Himmatnagar jail, while four others, including Illubha Jadeja, Vishvarajsinh alias Vishubha Balubha Jadeja, Vijay Rana, and Hardik Rajgor, are currently on the run.
According to SP Sagar Bagmar, the main accused, Yash Bhatia, orchestrated the scheme by setting up mule accounts, distributing stolen funds, and offering commissions. The gang targeted financially vulnerable individuals in villages, luring them with promises of high returns and commissions. By using their identities, shops were rented in Gandhidham and Adipur, and firms were established without their knowledge, with the individuals listed as proprietors.
The accused obtained Udyam registrations through a tax consultant, created fake invoices, and opened savings and current accounts in various banks using PAN and Aadhaar details. They procured new SIM cards and bank kits to operate these accounts, earning commissions for managing them. These accounts were then utilized to receive and transfer funds obtained through cyber fraud nationwide, with members acting as brokers to route the money.
