Mumbai Police Crack Down on International Cyber Fraud Network; 12 Arrested in Goa, Dubai Links Under Probe
Mumbai : In a major action against organised cybercrime, the Mumbai Police Crime Branch has reportedly busted an international cyber fraud syndicate allegedly involved in online scams, illegal gaming transactions, and the misuse of fake bank accounts and SIM cards. Twelve people have been arrested from Goa, while investigators are probing suspected links to Dubai-based handlers who are believed to be controlling the network.
The investigation started after a cyber fraud case was registered at Paydhuni Police Station in Mumbai. During the course of the probe, officials from Crime Branch Unit 2 allegedly discovered that large amounts of money generated through fraudulent activities were being transferred through multiple bank accounts and routed through different locations.
Based on intelligence inputs, police teams tracked the movement of the funds and found links to a group operating from a villa in Candolim, Goa. A raid was carried out at the location, where the accused were allegedly managing the financial transactions of the syndicate.
During the operation, police recovered a significant amount of digital and banking-related material believed to have been used for carrying out fraudulent activities. The seized items included 15 laptops, 128 ATM cards, 89 mobile phones, 76 SIM cards, and 22 cheque books.
According to investigators, the accused allegedly created and used fake bank accounts to receive and transfer money obtained through cyber fraud and online gaming-related activities. Police suspect that these accounts were being opened and supplied through a wider network, allowing criminals to move funds while hiding the original source of the transactions.
The investigation further revealed that the group was allegedly using online platforms, including websites named “900 Panel” and “Rudra”, to process transactions connected with online gaming and fraudulent activities. Police claim that members of the network earned commissions for transferring money from one account to another.
Mumbai Police officials said the accused allegedly handled transactions exceeding ₹5 crore over a period of five months. The arrested individuals were reportedly responsible for managing the operational side of the network in India, while the main coordinators and alleged masterminds are suspected to be based in Dubai.
Mumbai Police Crime Branch DCP Raj Tilak Roshan said the investigation into the cyber fraud case uncovered a much larger organised operation. According to police, several bank accounts were being purchased and used for moving money, and the arrested accused were allegedly trained to carry out these financial transfers.
Authorities are now investigating the origin of the fake bank accounts, the flow of money, and the possible involvement of more individuals connected to the syndicate. The probe will also focus on identifying and tracking the alleged Dubai-based operators believed to be controlling the network.
The crackdown highlights the growing challenge of international cybercrime networks that use digital platforms, fake identities, and financial loopholes to carry out large-scale fraud. Mumbai Police said further action will be taken as the investigation progresses.
.News source: Information for this article was gathered from a variety of reliable news outlets.
