The Mumbai Cyber Police have busted an alleged mule bank account racket and arrested seven persons accused of opening bank accounts used to launder proceeds of cyber fraud.

During the operation, police seized Rs 10 lakh in cash, 16 mobile phones, company stamps, SIM cards, cheque books and other incriminating material.

The police said the bank accounts recovered during the investigation were linked to more than 84 cyber crime cases registered across the country.

Tip-off leads police to suspects

According to the Cyber Police Station, Central Division, Worli, the operation began after police received specific information on July 29 that Salman Pathan and his associates were planning to withdraw money deposited in mule bank accounts through cyber fraud at either the Borivali or Mahim branch of Indian Overseas Bank.

Acting on the tip-off, a police team reached the Indian Overseas Bank branch on Chandavarkar Road in Borivali West at around 3 pm.

Investigators found that the accused had already withdrawn Rs 10 lakh in cash through a cheque and were attempting to withdraw another Rs 10 lakh. Police immediately apprehended Salman Pathan and two of his associates.

Raids at two offices, four more arrested

During interrogation, the accused allegedly revealed details of two offices linked to the racket, K.G.N. Enterprises in Bhayandar West and Richa Enterprises at Shanti Shopping Centre in Mira Road. Police subsequently raided both premises and detained four more suspects.

With the latest arrests, a total of seven accused have been taken into custody. Investigators alleged that the group was involved in opening mule bank accounts and facilitating withdrawals of fraud proceeds through cheques on behalf of cyber criminals.

A case has been registered under FIR No. 106/2026 under relevant Sections of the Bharatiya Nyaya Sanhita and the Information Technology Act, 2000.

Seven accused arrested

The accused have been identified as:

Salman Habib Pathan (34)
Sajid Nishar Ahmed Kothawala (46)
Chirag Ketan Toprani (37)
Sayyad Vajahat Waheeduddin (41)
Rakesh Ramashankar Mishra (42)
Rakshit K. Rajendra Hegde (35)
Aryan Ritesh Thakkar (18)

Cash, phones and bank account kits seized

During searches conducted at the accused persons' offices and residences, police seized:

  • Rs 10 lakh in cash
  • 16 mobile phones
  • 31 company stamps and seals
  • 23 SIM cards
  • 22 cheque books linked to different bank accounts
  • Seven Indian Overseas Bank account kits registered in the names of different companies
  • One cash-counting machine
  • Bank account opening documents, bank statements and identity documents, including Aadhaar cards, PAN card
  • Photographs and SIM cards of 11 individuals
  • Bank statements and documents relating to multiple bank accounts
  • Two bank account-opening devices from Mahim and Bhayandar

Accounts linked to over 84 cyber crime cases

Police said the recovered bank accounts were verified through the National Cyber Crime Reporting Portal, which revealed that they had allegedly been used in more than 84 cyber crime cases registered across different parts of India.

Cyber Police issue public advisory

The Mumbai Cyber Police also urged citizens to remain vigilant against online frauds. The advisory cautioned people against allowing others to use their bank accounts for suspicious transactions, joining unknown WhatsApp or Telegram groups, clicking suspicious links or sharing confidential banking and identity details.

Police advised investors to deal only with SEBI-registered advisers and transfer funds only to their own demat accounts. Citizens were also warned not to install APK files received through unauthorised sources.

In case of suspected cyber fraud, police urged the public to immediately call the national cyber crime helpline 1930, file a complaint on the National Cyber Crime Reporting Portal, or approach the nearest police station.