Police in the Khammam district of Telangana have broken up a massive cyber-crime syndicate, arresting 18 people involved in a "mule" account racket that processed a staggering ₹547 crore in fraudulent transactions. The scale of the operation came to light on Sunday when Khammam Police Commissioner Sunil Dutt confirmed that 18 out of 24 named suspects are now in custody, while a manhunt is underway for the remaining six. According to investigators, this gang operated a complex and highly organised network between 2022 and 2025, preying on those seeking work and a quick means to earn money.
The fraud was perpetrated by enticing its targets with promises of job offers, business opportunities, or financial bonuses. The fraudsters would do this in exchange for the fraud targets' opening bank accounts under their names and providing their internet banking login credentials. These became "mule" accounts— essentially hollow shells that the fraudsters controlled from behind the scenes.
According to the police, the money wasn't just sitting in these accounts; it was being moved through complex "layers" to hide its origin. These funds were frequently laundered outside the country, changed to cryptocurrency, or withdrawn in cash to mask the digital footprint. Examination of accounts associated with the group showed the massive amount of money that flowed within the system, which was all connected to reported cases of cyber frauds in other Indian states.
The suspects are now being charged under serious sections of the Bharatiya Nyaya Sanhita and the Information Technology Act. As the probe continues to unfold, the police are now trying to track down the final destination of the money that has been laundered and the number of victims that were duped into parting with their account details to the gang.
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