Cyberabad police bust mule account racket, arrest four

The Cyber Crime Police Station, Cyberabad has arrested four persons for facilitating cyber fraud transactions by opening and operating mule bank accounts under fake business establishments in Crime No. 2657/2025.

The arrested accused are: Jawwad Qadri Rifai (28) and Mohammed Naushad (26), who acted as mule account suppliers; Pamula Pranavaraj (46), Sales Manager; and Shankar Rathi (51), Branch Manager of Jubilee Hills Mercantile Co-operative Urban Bank Ltd..

Investigation revealed that Jawwad and Naushad, seeking easy money, conspired with Mohd Anas Khan and others to provide bank accounts for cyber fraud operations. They rented a shutter at Pahadi Sharif, created a fake rental agreement in the name of “Star Agro Industries,” and submitted forged documents to open a current account.

With the alleged involvement of the Sales Manager and Branch Manager, a joint current account was opened at the bank, affiliated with Yes Bank. After activation, ATM cards, cheque books, passbooks, SIM cards and internet banking credentials were handed over to fraud handlers for conducting cybercrime transactions.

Police found that Rs. 6,67,565 was credited into the account in October 2025 in connection with online fraud cases. The account holders received commissions, while bank officials allegedly facilitated account opening and operational control. The accused later went into hiding.

Acting on credible information, Cyber Crime Police apprehended them on February 26, 2026. During interrogation, the accused reportedly confessed to their roles. Investigators further revealed that over 30 mule accounts were allegedly opened at the same branch.

Further investigation is underway to trace additional associates, identify victims and freeze proceeds of crime.