Vizag man caught letting fraudsters use his bank accounts

Hyderabad: The Telangana Cyber Security Bureau apprehended a cyber fraudster accused of cybercrimes across States, including Telangana, Andhra Pradesh, Delhi, Kerala, Tamil Nadu, Andaman and Nicobar, Maharashtra, Madhya Pradesh, Rajasthan, Gujarat, Uttar Pradesh, Karnataka and Bihar. The accused, Sk Khaleel, (39), a resident of Visakhapatnam, was arrested on August 8 in Visakhapatnam, Andhra Pradesh.

What is the online scam?

According to the case file, the accused allegedly worked as a mule bank account supplier. This involved providing his bank accounts to other fraudsters who threatened many innocents, including the victim in this case—a 51-year-old headmaster from Khammam district who lost Rs 3.5 lakhs in May—by impersonating officers from the Mumbai Cyber Crime Police with false and fabricated allegations to extort money.

The arrested accused allowed access to his ICICI and HDFC bank accounts for fraudulent transactions and illegal gains.

The Cyber Crime Police Station (CCPS), Khammam, identified and arrested Sk Khaleel in Visakhapatnam on August 8. During the arrest, mobile phones, bank chequebooks, and relevant documents were seized. The accused was produced before the magistrate in Khammam for judicial remand.

What did the probe reveal?

Preliminary investigations indicate that the accused’s bank accounts are linked to 33 cybercrimes across India, including Telangana. The accused will be taken into police custody for further investigation.

Warning to mule bank account suppliers

The police issued a warning to mule bank account suppliers listing actions that are illegal and can attract considerable legal penalties:

Opening or operating mule bank accounts is illegal and punishable under the law.

Account holders will be held responsible for unauthorised or unusual transactions in their bank accounts.

Mule account holders are treated as members of an organised gang and will face equal punishment.

Public advisory

The police or any law enforcement agency will never demand money to clear a case or ask anyone to engage in video calls. If you receive any calls claiming to be from a law enforcement agency, do not panic. Cross-check with your local police authorities.