Patna News: The Gardanibagh police station in Patna has uncovered a large and well-organised international cyber fraud network, revealing the growing sophistication of digital financial crimes in India. During the investigation, law enforcement officials identified more than 100 bank accounts connected to fraudulent transactions, many of which were already flagged in cybercrime cases registered across several states. This operation has highlighted how deeply interconnected modern cybercrime networks have become, stretching beyond regional boundaries and using advanced financial manipulation techniques.
A close examination of ATM cards, passbooks, and banking documents seized from the accused showed that these accounts were primarily used to receive and withdraw money generated through online fraud. A significant number of the accounts were opened in banks located outside Bihar, indicating an intentional attempt to reduce traceability. Investigators also found that several of these were current accounts, often preferred for handling large volumes of transactions. Authorities are now gathering complete banking details and transaction histories to map the full extent of the operation and identify further beneficiaries.
Beyond direct fraud, the gang played a critical role as account handlers for other cybercrime groups. They supplied bank accounts to fraudsters involved in online scams, particularly those operating through gaming platforms and digital applications. This intermediary role made them a vital link in the broader cybercrime ecosystem, enabling seamless movement of illicit funds while shielding the primary perpetrators from immediate detection.
A series of coordinated raids conducted in Patna, Gaya, and Muzaffarpur resulted in the arrest of 13 individuals connected to the network. Among them was the alleged mastermind, Saurabh Dwivedi. Law enforcement agencies seized a large cache of materials, including dozens of ATM cards, passbooks, mobile phones, chequebooks, luxury vehicles, and even passports. The arrested group included professionals such as private bank loan agents and a computer engineer, underlining how cybercrime networks often recruit individuals with financial or technical expertise. Investigators believe the gang had been active for nearly a year before being dismantled.
Police officials stated that the gang primarily relied on two major techniques. The first involved physically tampering with ATMs to trap cards and illegally withdraw cash. The second method was more complex, involving domestic and international financial transactions routed through mule accounts. These accounts were opened using compromised or rented identities, allowing criminals to move money quickly and avoid suspicion. So far, suspicious transactions worth approximately Rs 50 to 55 crore have been detected.
Investigations also revealed that part of the illegal money trail passed through cryptocurrency channels. This added layer of complexity made tracking funds more challenging, as digital assets can obscure transaction origins. The gang operated in a chain-based structure, with each member assigned a specific role, ensuring efficiency and reducing exposure. They exploited gaming applications and online platforms, extorting money from victims through a mix of real and virtual currency transactions.
Search operations are still underway to locate remaining members of the network who may have fled or gone underground. Police are also examining links to other cybercrime syndicates operating nationally and internationally. Authorities have indicated that further arrests are likely as financial data analysis continues and digital evidence is examined in detail.
This case serves as a stark reminder of the increasing threat posed by organised cyber fraud networks. With rapid digitalisation, criminals are continuously adapting their strategies, making collaboration between law enforcement agencies, banks, and technology platforms more important than ever. The Patna crackdown represents a significant step toward disrupting such networks, but experts warn that sustained vigilance and technological preparedness are essential to combat future cybercrime effectively.
