The Cyber Crime and Economic Offences Wing in Berhampur has arrested a 51-year-old man and his niece for allegedly operating a network that supplied mule bank accounts to cybercriminals.
The accused has been identified as Satya Narayan Dash, a resident of Goutamnagar. Police did not reveal the identity of his 38-year-old niece, who was also taken into custody in connection with the case.
Investigation Triggered by Cybercrime Complaint
The arrests followed an investigation into a cybercrime complaint registered on November 26, 2025. During the probe, police discovered that more than eight mule bank accounts were being operated in the names of the accused’s relatives.
According to investigators, the accused opened several bank accounts using the identities of family members. They then handed over the passbooks, ATM cards, and cheque books to cybercriminals.
These accounts were allegedly used to transfer and layer illegally obtained money, helping fraudsters move the funds into the formal financial system without raising suspicion.
Rs1 Crore Routed Through Mule Accounts
Preliminary findings indicate that nearly Rs1 crore was routed through these accounts over a period of about one year since 2025.
Police believe the fraudulent transactions were conducted through eight identified mule accounts, which were reportedly linked to cybercrime cases registered in more than 30 police stations across India.
Probe Continues
Officials stated that further investigation is underway to identify other members of the cybercrime network and track additional mule bank accounts that may have been used in the operation.
Authorities are also examining possible links between the accused and larger organised cyber fraud syndicates operating across the country.
