Junagadh: A Division police have uncovered a mule account racket linked to cyber fraud transactions worth over Rs 9.43 crore, with the money ultimately being converted into cryptocurrency and routed to Dubai. Police have registered a case against 20 persons and launched a statewide investigation, arresting nine accused so far.

According to police, three complaints filed on the National Cybercrime Reporting Portal flagged suspicious transactions in the current account of Prime Trading Group. During the probe, police found that Ali Mohammad alias Asif Theba had rented out multiple bank accounts linked to his name and firm to Imtiaz Hingorja in return for a commission. Investigators said several other accounts were also arranged through associates and used to park money obtained through cyber fraud.

After deducting commissions for account holders and middlemen, the remaining funds were transferred to another accused, who routed the money further. During interrogation, Imtiaz reportedly told police that the bank accounts were passed on to a Dubai-based handler, who converted the funds into cryptocurrency. Police said the accused earned around 6 per cent commission on the illegal transactions.

Police have seized six passbooks, seven chequebooks, and several expensive mobile phones during raids in connection with the case. An FIR has been registered under Sections 317(2), 317(4) and 61(2) of the Bharatiya Nyaya Sanhita and Section 66(D) of the IT Act, and further legal action is underway.

Among the nine accused arrested are Alimohammad alias Asif Habibbhai Theba, Imtiaz alias Bakro Ibrahim Hingorja, Ajay alias Kano alias Jadiyo Sonagra, Anjum Chhotubhai Chauhan, and Sahil alias Kario Gaffarbhai Sama, all residents of Junagadh. Meanwhile, Jayesh Mansukhbhai Makwana, Rahul Jethabhai Keshwala, Umar alias Sameer Tayyabbhai Sama, and Ketan Bhanu Solanki have been detained for questioning in connection with the case. DeshGujarat