Tamil Nadu’s Cyber Crime Police have arrested 837 people in a statewide operation targeting those who rented out bank accounts to cyber criminals, along with brokers and fraudsters. The arrests were made over two days, following directives to disrupt cyber crime networks operating across the country.
Police said cyber offenders often move cheated money through multiple accounts, commonly referred to as “mule bank accounts”. Investigators noted that intermediaries arrange such accounts for commission, while some individuals directly lease their own accounts in return for money.
According to officials, the State Cyber Crime Prevention Wing gathered details linked to 9,804 cyber crime cases registered across India, involving an alleged ₹545 crore fraud and the bank accounts used to transfer the proceeds. Based on this intelligence, raids were conducted across Tamil Nadu on August 6 and 7 under the supervision of station officers, commissioners and SPs.
During the operation, 601 cases were registered and the 837 suspects were arrested. Police also registered an additional 150 cases specifically related to renting out bank accounts.
From the accused, police seized 204 mobile phones, 185 SIM cards, ₹1.02 lakh in cash, 114 bank passbooks, 29 cheques, details of 155 phone numbers used for fraud, 58 bank account details and 73 ATM cards. Authorities said the seized digital evidence is being analysed to trace associates across the country.
