In a major crackdown on cybercrime, the Cyber Cell and Berinag Police in Pithoragarh have arrested two members of a mule account gang allegedly involved in routing money obtained through online fraud. During the investigation, police uncovered suspicious transactions worth ₹12.35 lakh in one bank account and more than ₹1.04 crore in another.
According to police, the action was initiated following complaints received through the National Cyber Crime Reporting Portal (NCRP). Under the direction of the Superintendent of Police, a team led by Cyber Cell In-charge Inspector Neeraj Bhakuni investigated the case and identified two bank accounts allegedly used to transfer and conceal money obtained through cyber fraud.
Suspicious Transactions Traced
The investigation revealed suspicious transactions amounting to ₹12,35,832 in one account and ₹1,04,96,483 in another. Police said the accounts were being used as mule accounts, which cybercriminals commonly exploit to move fraud proceeds between multiple accounts and hide the original source of the money.
Based on the findings, a case was registered at Berinag Police Station under Sections 318(4) and 61(2) of the Bharatiya Nyaya Sanhita (BNS) and Section 66D of the Information Technology Act.
Two Accused Arrested, One Absconding
During the investigation, the names of Pawan Kumar (22), a resident of Paunsa village, Berinag, Priyanshu Kumar (22), a resident of Jadapani, Kulakhet, Pithoragarh, and Amandeep, a resident of Ganai Gangoli, came to light. Police arrested Priyanshu Kumar from Ambedkar Park in Damuwadhunga, Haldwani, while Pawan Kumar was apprehended from his residence. Efforts are underway to trace and arrest the third accused, Amandeep.
Police said the investigation is continuing to identify other individuals connected to the cyber fraud network. Both arrested accused have been produced before the court after completing the required legal formalities. The arrest operation was carried out by a police team comprising Inspector Naresh Kumar Gangwar, Head Constable Sanjeev Yadav, and Constable (Driver) Narendra Mehta.
