Team Goemkarponn
PANAJI: Two alleged cyber fraud networks with operations based in Goa have come under the scanner of the Mumbai Crime Branch after investigators traced transactions involving more than ₹1,000 crore through suspected mule bank accounts.
The probe reportedly uncovered two separate groups allegedly using rented villas in Goa as bases for their activities. Mumbai Crime Branch teams have arrested 19 people in connection with the investigations and frozen approximately ₹100 crore linked to the suspected financial transactions.
Investigators are examining how the groups allegedly collected and circulated money through a network of bank accounts opened in the names of individuals who may have acted as account holders or facilitators.
Police suspect that the operations were being coordinated by alleged handlers based in Dubai. The movement of funds across multiple accounts is now being examined to establish the complete chain and identify those who ultimately controlled the money.
The investigation has also brought attention to the use of rented properties in Goa for activities that can be difficult to detect without a detailed financial or cyber investigation. Officers are examining the role of people who allegedly provided bank accounts, SIM cards and other infrastructure to the networks.
The Crime Branch is continuing its financial investigation to determine the extent of the alleged fraud, trace additional accounts and identify other persons connected to the networks.
The Goa link has emerged as a significant part of the investigation as Mumbai Police work to establish whether the properties used by the accused were merely temporary bases or formed part of a wider network operating from the state.
