Indore police bust cyber fraud network with 250-plus bank accounts under Operation Matrix

The Crime Branch in Indore has arrested the main suspect accused of running a network of bank accounts for cyber fraud under Operation Matrix, a coordinated crackdown against online financial crimes.

Police investigations have revealed that the arrested suspect had shared information about more than 250 bank accounts used in cyber fraud with other accused persons. The breakthrough came after the Crime Branch had earlier arrested Lalit alias Rishi in connection with the case. Following his arrest, interrogation and further investigation led the police to the main accused, Baleshwar Rathore.

According to police, 21 bank passbooks, 8 ATM cards, 20 chequebooks, 7 QR codes and one laptop were recovered from Lalit's possession during the earlier arrest.

Meanwhile, an investigation conducted on the NCRP portal revealed that complaints of cyber fraud have been registered from different parts of the country linked to the bank accounts in question. The police are now gathering information about transactions carried out through these accounts and other accused persons connected to them.

The investigation has also uncovered links to cases involving cyber fraud carried out in the name of investment schemes and APK fraud. The Crime Branch is continuing a detailed investigation into the entire network and the use of these bank accounts.

Police said Operation Matrix represents a major action against the growing menace of cyber crime that has affected victims across various states. The arrested suspect allegedly played a central role in providing the financial infrastructure that enabled fraudsters to siphon money from unsuspecting victims. Investigators are working to trace the money trail and identify all members of the syndicate.

Correspondent Ankit Khare reported from Indore.