Prayagraj: In a major crackdown on cybercrime, the Pratapgarh Cyber Crime Cell on Monday registered 14 FIRs and arrested 17 people whose bank accounts and mobile numbers were allegedly used by cybercriminals to facilitate frauds worth around Rs 12.18 crore across 19 states.Specially constituted police teams carried out coordinated raids targeting holders of mule bank accounts and mobile numbers allegedly used in cybercrimes, including investment scams, “digital arrest” frauds, part-time job scams and cryptocurrency trading frauds operated through social media platforms.Police said the 17 accused were linked to 89 complaints registered on the National Cyber Crime Reporting Portal (NCRP) across 19 states. Following verification, 14 FIRs were lodged at different police stations in Pratapgarh district. The Cyber Crime Cell is carrying out a detailed investigation based on evidence collected during the raids and the interrogation of the accused.According to police, bank accounts and mobile numbers are among the most crucial tools used in cyber fraud. Mule account holders often hand over their bank accounts and SIM cards to cybercriminals through agents in exchange for a commission. These accounts and numbers are then allegedly used to execute various frauds across the country, including investment scams, online gaming fraud, cryptocurrency trading scams and “digital arrest” schemes.Police added that the mobile numbers were also used to contact victims and to create fake social media accounts and email IDs for carrying out cyber frauds.
