On June 25, Patna Cyber Police arrested Isha Kumari (23) and Mustak Alam (24) for their involvement in a Rs5 crore cyber fraud operation spanning six months. The duo, operating from Patna, is accused of duping unsuspecting ATM users and laundering the stolen money through Hawala channels with connections to Pakistan.
According to police reports, Isha, a B.Com graduate from Naurangia village, was introduced to cyber crime by Mustak Alam, a seasoned criminal with over four years of experience in fraudulent activities. Isha, who had previously left her in-laws and young child, was recruited by Alam while she was active on social media, making Instagram reels. The two formed a partnership, engaging in ATM fraud schemes.Isha, along with Mustak, would identify ATM users and, under the pretext of helping them, exchange their ATM cards. She would then use the stolen cards to withdraw money or make fraudulent transactions. Alam and Kumari were also known to make scam calls to people, tricking them into disclosing their banking details.Through their activities, the couple connected with Pakistani cyber criminals, operating out of Multan, Pakistan, using encrypted WhatsApp communications. According to Saddam Hussain, Deputy Superintendent of Police (DSP), the duo admitted during interrogation that they were part of a larger cross-border cyber fraud operation. Pakistani handlers would deposit Rs2 lakh to Rs3 lakh daily into their accounts, of which Isha and Mustak kept a 10% commission, while the remainder was transferred to Pakistan-based fraudsters through various methods, including Hawala.
The police investigation revealed that the fraudsters had access to multiple stolen bank details, including ATM cards, Aadhaar numbers, PAN cards, and other personal information from victims across India. The duo also allegedly operated alongside other cyber criminals from Jamtara, Nabada, Bhopal, and Mumbai, who were part of the wider network.In a raid conducted by the Cyber Police, authorities recovered 16 ATM cards, 6 mobile phones, and 6 SIM cards from the suspects’ possession. Investigators found evidence of transactions amounting to several crores of rupees and discovered links to over 100 Pakistani bank accounts, including details of over 100 QR codes used in banking transactions.
The duo’s operation had reportedly transferred over Rs5 crore in cash through Cash Deposit Machines (CDMs) and Hawala networks in just five months. The police believe that these transactions were part of a larger international scam, involving several other accomplices in India and Pakistan.
The Cyber Police are continuing their investigation and have expanded the probe into the Pakistan-based network. Authorities have stated that they are working on identifying other individuals involved in the scam and tracking the flow of illicit funds. The arrest of Isha and Mustak has revealed the extent of the operation, which relied on stolen banking details and criminal coordination across international borders.
