Two members of multi-state gang arrested in 'Operation Matrix' for cyber fraud

Major Success Against Cyber Criminals

In a significant achievement under its 'Zero Tolerance' policy against cybercriminals, the Madhya Pradesh Police have cracked a multi-state cyber fraud network. The Indore Crime Branch, as part of 'Operation Matrix', has arrested two individuals involved in widespread online fraud.

Modus Operandi Revealed

The arrested accused were using mule bank accounts and fake SIM cards linked to banking OTPs to carry out cyber fraud across the country. Investigations revealed suspicious transactions exceeding ₹5 crore in a UCO Bank account associated with the accused.

Intelligence-Led Operation

The operation was initiated based on technical intelligence from the national database of cybercrimes and the monitoring of suspicious mule bank accounts, provided by the Police Headquarters. Data analysis from the Indian Cyber Crime Coordination Centre (I4C), Ministry of Home Affairs, Government of India, NCRP, and the cybercrime portal led to the scrutiny of suspicious accounts.

Investigation and Arrests

During the investigation of a UCO Bank account in Mhow, Indore, crucial information emerged about a mule account with over ₹5 crore in suspicious transactions. Cybercrime complaints linked to this account originated from various states, including Tamil Nadu, West Bengal, Gujarat, Uttarakhand, Delhi, Maharashtra, Rajasthan, Haryana, Jharkhand, Goa, Odisha, Uttar Pradesh, and Bihar.

Network Unravelled

It was discovered that one of the arrested individuals provided their bank account as a mule account, and the SIM card registered in their name, used for receiving banking OTPs, was given to the second accused. Together, they orchestrated a systematic multi-state cyber fraud and financial fraud scheme.

Ongoing Investigation and Seizures

The Indore Crime Branch has arrested both accused and is continuing to interrogate them to gather details about their associates, bank accounts, mobile numbers, SIM cards, and the broader network of this cybercrime syndicate. Police have seized 4 mobile phones, 8 active SIM cards, 10 bank account passbooks, and 11 ATM cards, including the main UCO Bank mule account.

Digital Evidence Analysis

A thorough technical analysis of the recovered mobile phones, SIM cards, bank accounts, and other digital evidence is underway. Police are also investigating the potential involvement of other individuals in this inter-state cybercrime syndicate.

Cyber Fraud Prevention Advisory

The Madhya Pradesh Police urge citizens to exercise extreme caution in online financial transactions. Do not share your bank account details, ATM cards, passbooks, SIM cards, OTPs, or any other confidential banking information with anyone. If you become a victim of cyber fraud, immediately contact the national helpline number 1930 or register your complaint on the National Cyber Crime Reporting Portal. Timely reporting can aid in apprehending criminals and recovering stolen funds.