Operation Mule Hunt 2.0 Uncovers ₹398 Crore Cyber Fraud Network in Gujarat

Gujarat Police have uncovered a massive cyber fraud network involving illegal transactions worth ₹398.43 crore routed through 13 mule bank accounts , leading to the arrest of 14 people as part of Operation Mule Hunt 2.0 , officials said on Monday.

The crackdown was carried out by the Patan Cyber Crime Police under the state government's ongoing drive to combat online fraud and dismantle financial networks used by cyber criminals.

According to police, the investigation was launched after an analysis of data available on the Union government's SAMANVAYA platform and the National Cyber Crime Reporting Portal (NCCRP) revealed suspicious transactions in several current accounts opened at a cooperative bank in Patan district.

A detailed probe found that certain individuals allegedly persuaded people to open firms and bank accounts in their names in exchange for commissions. The account holders then reportedly handed over ATM cards, cheque books, SIM cards, mobile numbers and internet banking credentials to middlemen and cyber fraudsters.

Authorities said these accounts were subsequently used as mule accounts to receive and transfer money generated through various cyber crimes, including investment scams, digital arrest frauds and other online financial offences. Investigators traced the accounts to 228 cyber fraud complaints registered across multiple states on the NCCRP portal.

Police said the 13 mule accounts handled transactions amounting to ₹398.43 crore , highlighting the scale of the organised cyber fraud operation.

Based on the findings, Patan Cyber Crime Police registered a case against 20 individuals , including 13 account holders and seven middlemen , under relevant provisions of the Bharatiya Nyay Sanhita.

So far, 14 accused have been arrested , while six others remain absconding . Police said efforts are underway to trace and apprehend the remaining suspects.

Officials described the operation as a significant breakthrough in disrupting the financial infrastructure that enables cyber fraudsters to move and conceal illicit funds across the country.