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Police in Assam’s Barpeta district have uncovered a cyber fraud network operating on the lines of Jharkhand’s Jamtara syndicates, leading to the arrest of three individuals accused of setting up fraudulent bank accounts with identity documents collected from local residents. The arrests followed an investigation into the unauthorized withdrawal of Rs 99,000 from the account of a local resident, Diganta Das. According to investigators, the accused procured official identification papers to open mule accounts designed to channel and obscure illicit funds generated through online fraud schemes.
Fraudulent Mule Accounts Fuel Online Thefts
The investigation began after Diganta Das lodged a complaint via email detailing an unauthorized financial transaction amounting to Rs 99,000 from his bank account. Acting on the grievance, the Barpeta Police Station registered case number 441/26 and initiated a technical inquiry into the suspicious withdrawals. Tracking the movement of the stolen funds quickly led officers to an organized cybercrime setup, resulting in the identification and apprehension of three suspects named Hamidul Khan, Majidul Rahman, and Muzzamil from different areas.
During police questioning, the three suspects admitted to fraudulently siphoning off Rs 99,000 from the victim’s account. Investigators revealed that the syndicate’s method closely mirrored operations seen in Jamtara, relying heavily on proxy or mule accounts. By gathering official records from residents who were either lured with small commissions or left completely unaware of the exploitation, the suspects opened operational accounts to receive, redirect, and withdraw illicit proceeds while attempting to insulate the primary beneficiaries from regulatory detection.
Wider Syndicate Suspected as Investigation Expands
Speaking on the breakthrough, Additional Superintendent of Police (Crime) for Barpeta, Samiran Baishya, confirmed that the three arrested suspects form only one component of a much wider cybercrime syndicate. Police are actively examining the entire financial trail, scrutinizing linked bank accounts to locate the final destination of the stolen capital. Special efforts are also underway to identify other network associates involved in collecting sensitive identification records and operating these illicit bank facilities across different regions.
Authorities pointed out that the creation of mule accounts creates serious legal complications for innocent citizens whose identities are misused. When identity papers are compromised, unsuspecting account holders often face intense administrative scrutiny from investigative agencies once fraudulent transactions surface. The police stated that further arrests are likely as investigators widen the scope of the inquiry to identify everyone connected to the distribution and laundering network.
Authorities Urge Public Caution Over Personal Data
In the wake of the arrests, the Barpeta police issued an advisory warning the public against handing over identity records to unknown individuals. Additional SP Samiran Baishya cautioned that cyber fraudsters frequently visit local neighborhoods seeking personal documents under false pretenses to open accounts for illegal operations.
Residents were strongly urged to verify the authenticity and purpose of any person or agency requesting personal identity paperwork before handing it over. Law enforcement officials emphasized that unchecked document sharing exposes ordinary citizens to serious cyber threats and financial vulnerabilities, adding that vigilance remains essential as police pursue remaining members of the racket.
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