Hyderabad: Hyderabad cyber crime police arrested four persons for allegedly supplying mule bank accounts and SIM cards to cyber criminals in exchange for commissions. Investigators identified 20 mule bank accounts linked to the case and seized electronic devices and banking documents. Police have also linked the alleged network to around 54 cases across India, involving suspected fraudulent transactions of approximately ₹10 crore.
The investigation began after a woman filed a complaint on April 4, 2026. She alleged that unidentified persons contacted her through WhatsApp and persuaded her to invest in trading platforms by promising high returns. Believing their claims, she invested ₹37.40 lakh and was allegedly cheated.
Following the complaint, police registered a case under Sections 66(C) and 66(D) of the Information Technology Act. They also invoked Sections 318(4), 319(2), 336(3) and 340(2) of the Bharatiya Nyaya Sanhita (BNS).
Hyderabad cyber crime police trace mule account network
During the investigation, officers arrested Maroju Subrahmanya Chari, Gedela Nani and Alamanda Manikanta in Bhimavaram, Andhra Pradesh. Subsequently, they apprehended Panduraju Abhishek in Pocharam, Hyderabad.
According to investigators, Abhishek, 26, worked as an interior designer at a private company. While facing financial difficulties, he allegedly connected with a Chinese national through WhatsApp. The contact reportedly offered him commissions for arranging mule bank accounts and SIM cards to route money obtained through cyber fraud.
Police said Abhishek approached the other three accused and offered them ₹10,000 for each bank account. After collecting account credentials and SIM cards, he allegedly inserted the SIM cards into his mobile phone. He then facilitated transfers of suspected fraud proceeds through multiple mule accounts linked to the Chinese national.
Investigators further alleged that Abhishek received a commission of four per cent on the total amount transferred. He reportedly withdrew the money through nearby ATMs.
During the operation, police seized nine mobile phones, 10 debit and credit cards, six bank passbooks and eight cheque books from Abhishek. Meanwhile, investigators continued examining the financial transactions and the alleged network’s links to other cases.
The operation took place under the guidance of S. Chaitanya Kumar, Deputy Commissioner of Police, CCS, DD, Hyderabad, and the direct supervision of R. G. Siva Maruthi, Assistant Commissioner of Police, Cyber Crime Police Station, Hyderabad City.
Inspector Y. Gowru Naidu and his team received appreciation for apprehending the accused and investigating the case. Police said the probe had so far linked the alleged network to approximately 54 cases nationwide, with suspected fraudulent transactions totalling around ₹10 crore.