New Delhi: A probe into a Rs 10,000 online job scam has led Delhi Police to uncover an alleged nationwide mule account syndicate that routed over Rs 70 crore through 248 corporate bank accounts linked to cyber frauds across 19 states and overseas networks in Dubai and UK.A total of 10 people, including three women, have been nabbed in the case. Among them are five bank officials or associates from two banks who allegedly facilitated the opening of fraudulent accounts by bypassing KYC norms.Police said the investigation began after a Baljeet Nagar resident complained that he had been cheated of Rs 10,000 by fraudsters who lured him with a fake work-from-home freelancing opportunity on social media.“Tracing the money trail, our team found that part of the cheated amount had reached a current account opened in the name of a shell entity,” said DCP (Central) Rohit Rajbir Singh. Further technical and financial analysis led investigators to an organised network allegedly involved in creating shell firms, opening corporate current accounts and supplying complete bank account kits to cyber fraud syndicates operating in India and abroad.The six arrested have been identified as alleged mastermind Dishant Khanna (36), a bank manager Kundan Kumar (35), Mohit Soni (26), Yogesh Kumar (35), Ranjeet Damion Ekka (41) and Mridul (22). Four others, including three women associated with another bank, were apprehended for their alleged role in facilitating the racket.During raids, police seized 248 complete bank account kits, 38 SIM cards, 22 mobile phones, 28 fake company stamps, 55 debit and credit cards, Rs 1 lakh in cash and a car. Digital evidence, including WhatsApp chats and financial records, allegedly revealed the involvement of bank insiders.Police said the recovered accounts were linked to 156 complaints registered on National Cyber Crime Reporting Portal across 19 states and Union Territories involving over Rs 20 crore in cheated funds. So far, Rs 56 lakh has been frozen. The alleged India-based kingpin and a UAE-based mastermind remain absconding, and a Look Out Circular has been issued against them.
