Bikaner Police have successfully dismantled a cybercrime gang that exploited unsuspecting villagers to open bank accounts used for laundering money from online frauds. The police arrested six individuals involved in the operation and discovered their connections to cybercriminals across 20 states. The gang is believed to have siphoned off Rs 52 crore through 75 seized bank accounts, which were linked to fraudulent transactions.
The police, under their “Cyber Shield” initiative, identified the fraudulent accounts and tracked transactions across multiple states, including Kerala, Maharashtra, Uttar Pradesh, Karnataka, Tamil Nadu, Gujarat, and West Bengal. Victims across these regions reported funds being drained via ATM cards and cheques linked to the bogus accounts.
According to Om Prakash, IG of Bikaner Range, the gang targeted financially vulnerable villagers, convincing them to open savings or current accounts in exchange for small payments (ranging from Rs 5,000 to Rs 15,000). The fraudsters, once they had control of the accounts, took possession of ATM cards and other related documents.
The accounts were then sent to cybercriminals in other states through buses and postal services. These accounts became conduits for money laundering, allowing fraudsters to funnel funds from online scams across the country.
The six arrested suspects include Samarth Soni (32), Dharmnarayan Singh (24), Rohit Singh (25), Shivnarayan Singh (29), Vikas Bishnoi (29), and Gurudev Bishnoi (25). Their actions were allegedly directed by cyber mafias from other states, who coordinated large-scale scams using the laundered money.
The police also uncovered fake stamps and documents related to bogus firms, with some private bank employees believed to be complicit in the operation. The gang has been charged with impersonation, identity theft, cheating, and organised crime laws.
According to Saurabh Tiwari, Additional SP of Bikaner, this is one of the largest cyber fraud operations uncovered in the area. The investigation continues as police seek to dismantle further networks involved in this extensive scam.
