A bank account in Hathras, Uttar Pradesh, has come under investigation after authorities reportedly traced more than ₹10.39 lakh in suspicious transactions connected to cyber fraud complaints across 13 Indian states.
The investigation followed actionable inputs from the Financial Intelligence Unit (FIU), operating under the Union Finance Ministry. Based on the findings, Hathras police registered a criminal case against the account holder, identified as Jitendra Kumar, who is reportedly absconding.
According to the investigation, the Canara Bank account allegedly served as an intermediary destination for funds linked to cyber fraud victims before the money was transferred to other accounts. Investigators are examining the transaction trail to identify the wider network and establish the role of individuals involved.
Cyber Cell Identifies Links to Complaints Across 13 States
The Hathras Cyber Cell examined the account's transaction records and compared suspicious entries with complaints registered on the National Cyber Crime Reporting Portal.
The inquiry reportedly identified connections with 13 separate cyber fraud complaints originating from different parts of the country. The states and regions mentioned in the report include Tamil Nadu, Telangana, Andhra Pradesh, Delhi, Chhattisgarh and Karnataka.
Investigators believe the account did not primarily receive direct payments from victims. Instead, it allegedly received money through secondary and subsequent transfers, making it an intermediary account within a larger suspected financial network.
Such arrangements can make cybercrime investigations more complicated because funds may pass through several accounts before reaching their ultimate destination.
FIU Inputs Highlight ₹10.39 Lakh in Suspicious Transactions
The suspicious transactions identified in the Canara Bank account reportedly totalled ₹10,39,737.
Among the larger transactions linked to cybercrime complaints were:
₹1.50 lakh: Connected to a fraud complaint registered in Hyderabad.
₹1.14 lakh: Traced to a complaint filed in Delhi.
₹1 lakh: Associated with a reported incident in the Kukatpally area of Telangana.
The investigation also identified six separate cyber fraud complaints from different districts of Karnataka linked to the Hathras account. These connections have reportedly prompted authorities to widen their examination of the financial transactions.
The ₹10.39 lakh figure represents suspicious inflows identified in the account, rather than a confirmed total loss across all 13 states.
Account Holder Allegedly Operated a Money Mule Account
Inspector Aman Kumar Vaish of the Hathras Cyber Cell reportedly said the inquiry established the account holder's involvement in facilitating cyber fraud-related transactions.
Jitendra Kumar is accused of allowing the account to be used for receiving, transferring and distributing money allegedly generated through fraudulent activities. Investigators suspect that such account holders may receive commissions for providing access to their banking facilities.
An account used in this manner is commonly described as a money mule account. Such accounts can become part of a wider financial network used to move suspicious funds and make it harder to identify the original source of money.
However, the exact circumstances under which the account was used, including whether the account holder knowingly facilitated the transactions, remain subject to investigation.
Police Search for Suspect as Financial Investigation Continues
Police have reportedly launched a search to locate Jitendra Kumar. Meanwhile, investigators are examining downstream account records to trace where the money went after leaving the Hathras account.
The investigation is also focused on identifying the individuals who originally transferred the funds, determining the possible beneficiaries and establishing how the bank account became connected to the suspected network.
The case highlights the importance of financial monitoring, transaction verification and timely reporting of suspicious banking activity. Forensic examination of banking records can help investigators follow money trails and identify possible links between apparently separate cybercrime complaints.
Businesses and financial institutions can also strengthen their internal monitoring and control systems through Shunyatax's financial investigation and forensic support.
As the investigation progresses, authorities will seek to establish the full extent of the suspected network and determine whether additional accounts or individuals were involved.