Cyberabad police arrest 4, including two bank officials, for illegally routing Rs 6.67 lakh in cyber fraud

Hyderabad: The Cyber Crime Police Station, Cyberabad, has arrested four persons, including two bank officials, for allegedly facilitating cyber fraud transactions by opening and operating mule bank accounts using fake business documents.

According to the police, the accused opened a fraudulent current account in the name of a non-existent firm and routed Rs 6.67 lakh of cybercrime proceeds through it before going into hiding.

Four held, including bank officials

The arrests were made in connection with Crime No. 2657/2025, officials said on Friday.

The arrested accused have been identified as:

Jawwad Qadri Rifai (28) – Mule account supplier

Mohammed Naushad (26) – Mule account provider

Pamula Pranavaraj (46) – Sales Manager, Jubilee Hills Mercantile Co-operative Urban Bank Ltd.

Shankar Rathi (51) – Branch Manager, Jubilee Hills Mercantile Co-operative Urban Bank Ltd.

Police said the two account holders conspired with one Mohd Anas Khan and other associates to provide bank accounts for cyber fraud operations in return for commissions.

Fake firm created to open accounts

Investigators revealed that the accused rented a shutter at Pahadi Sharif and fabricated a rental agreement to create a fictitious entity named ‘Star Agro Industries.’

Using forged business documents, they opened a joint current account (No. 100100140000791) at Jubilee Hills Mercantile Co-operative Urban Bank Ltd., affiliated to Yes Bank.

After the account was opened, all operational credentials — including ATM card, cheque book, passbook, SIM card and internet banking access — were allegedly handed over to cyber fraud handlers.

During October 2025, an amount of Rs 6,67,565 was credited into the account as part of online fraud transactions linked to the case.

Over 30 mule accounts opened

During interrogation, police found that the Sales Manager and Branch Manager, along with associates, had allegedly facilitated the opening of more than 30 mule accounts in the same branch.

The accused reportedly received commissions from the fraudulent proceeds. After the transactions came under scrutiny, they went into hiding to evade arrest. Acting on credible information, the Cyber Crime Police apprehended them on February 26.

Further investigation is underway to trace additional associates, identify more victim transactions, and freeze remaining proceeds of crime.

Public advisory

Cyberabad Police issued the following advisories to citizens:

- Do not share or lend bank accounts, SIM cards, or KYC documents for monetary benefits.

- Avoid clicking suspicious delivery or order update links claiming to be from Amazon, Zomato, Swiggy Instamart or Flipkart. Verify only through official apps or websites.

- Never share OTPs or banking details with unknown persons.

- Invest only through brokers registered with SEBI and avoid unknown trading apps or social media investment groups promising high returns.

- Report cyber fraud immediately by dialling 1930 or visiting cybercrime.gov.in.

Warning to bank officials

Police also cautioned bank employees to strictly adhere to KYC norms, conduct proper field verification of business establishments, and monitor suspicious transactions. Any lapse or collusion in facilitating mule accounts will invite strict legal action.

Deputy Commissioner of Police (Cybercrimes) T Sai Manohar said further action will be taken based on the ongoing investigation.