CBI raids 42 sites, uncovers 8.5L fake accounts in 700 banks

In a major crackdown on cyber fraud and ‘digital arrest’ cases, the CBI conducted raids at 42 locations in Rajasthan, Delhi, Haryana, Uttarakhand and Uttar Pradesh under Operation Chakra-5. These raids were conducted at the hideouts of those perpetrators who were duping people through fake bank accounts, which means that these accounts were being used to launder money.

The initial investigation by the CBI has revealed some shocking facts. Around 8.5 lakh fake accounts have been opened in more than 700 branches of different banks across the country. These accounts were opened without KYC, proper documents and sans any investigation. These accounts were being used to transfer and withdraw the money collected in cyber fraud.

According to the CBI, some bank officials, agents, bank correspondents, middlemen and people associated with services like e-Mitra helped the cyber thugs in opening these accounts. All of them were involved in opening 8.5 lakh fake accounts by taking commissions.

CBI has started investigating this entire network and has filed an FIR. A case has been registered under IPC, BNS and the Prevention of Corruption Act. During the investigation, the CBI seized several mobile phones, KYC documents, bank transaction details and other electronic evidence.

So far, nine people have been arrested in this operation. These include agents, account holders, people associated with the bank and middlemen. CBI will present all of them in the court and seek remand for interrogation. The CBI investigation is still going on and the probing agency may make further revelations in this case.