Kerala’s Operation Cyhunt: Kozhikode City police target 114 suspected bank accounts in cyber fraud crackdown; 25 cases registered

As part of the ‘Operation Cyhunt’ launched against financial fraud, the Kozhikode City police in Kerala have zeroed in on 114 suspected bank accounts which were reportedly used by fraudsters to divert defrauded funds. Police sources said a special investigation team carried out raids at 91 locations based on the bank account details and registered 25 cases.

An official communication issued by the District Police Chief (Kozhikode city) said two suspects were arrested, apart from serving notice on 21 other account holders as part of the continuing investigation. Seven mobile phones used for illegal financial transaction and online fraud were also recovered by the squads, the communication said.

According to police sources, the identified bank accounts were those linked to various cybercrime cases reported on the national cybercrime portal. The majority of the mule accounts were used for cryptocurrency deals and for diversion of illegally amassed funds, they said.

A police officer associated with the investigation revealed that there were attempts on the part of some individuals, businesspersons and students to exchange their bank accounts with fraudsters for “receiving passive income in the form of commissions.” Any attempt to exchange personal bank accounts for such illegal acts would be taken up seriously, he added.

The special squads said the bank account holders are responsible for reporting any suspicious fund transfers through their account by anonymous persons. Also, the account holders should avoid sharing any confidential banking data or log-in information through social media or instant messaging platforms, they said.