Cyberfraud accused files fake plaint to mislead probe

Ahmedabad: In a case of deception, a 41-year-old man accused of operating multiple mule bank accounts linked to cyberfraud allegedly tried to mislead investigators by filing a complaint himself as a victim, prompting action by Mehsana cybercrime police.According to officials, the accused, a resident of Mehsana, recently contacted the cyber helpline claiming he was cheated of Rs 77.5 lakh across 12 bank accounts. However, a deeper probe by cybercrime police revealed the complaint was "false and misleading" and part of an attempt to divert suspicion. An FIR was registered with Mehsana cybercrime police on May 1 based on a complaint filed by a police constable attached to the cybercrime police station, following an inquiry into suspicious bank accounts flagged on the I4C (Indian Cyber Crime Coordination Centre) portal. During the investigation, two bank accounts linked to the accused in Ujjivan Small Finance Bank and Equitas Bank were identified as mule accounts. Police found that these accounts were used to receive and transfer funds obtained through cyberfraud across several states. "Further scrutiny revealed that the accused was operating as many as 12 bank accounts across different banks, which were being used to route fraudulent money. Despite knowing the funds were proceeds of crime, he withdrew and transferred them for personal gain," an official said. Police said at least 15 complaints from states including Gujarat, Telangana, Karnataka, Delhi, Tamil Nadu, Uttar Pradesh and Bihar were linked to these accounts. So far, Rs 14.1 lakh has been traced as fraudulent transactions routed through them. Investigators also found that the accused's name and mobile numbers appeared in multiple cyberfraud complaints registered in various states, including cases related to credit card fraud, loan settlement scams, and fake contest schemes. When questioned, the accused reportedly admitted that his complaint to the helpline was false. Police believe the move was intended to create a defensive cover and project himself as a victim. A case has been registered under relevant sections of the Bharatiya Nyaya Sanhita, including cheating, criminal conspiracy, and fraudulent financial transactions. Further investigation is underway to identify accomplices and trace more transactions.