In a massive cyber heist, fraudsters recently transferred Rs 40 crore from IndusInd Bank clients into several mule accounts. However, Rs 33 crore was recovered by timely action by Maharashtra Cyber Crime division, a top police official said on Friday, July 26.
The remaining Rs 7 crore has been diverted to several mule accounts, Maharashtra Cyber Inspector General of Police Yashasvi Yadav said. “The bank funds were transferred to so-called money mule accounts. Out of Rs 40 crore, Maharashtra Cyber could freeze about Rs 33 crore. The frozen amount has been returned to genuine account holders. The process of registering an FIR is underway,” Yadav informed.
The incident comes amid increased warnings from the Reserve Bank of India against mule accounts and focused efforts by policymakers to prohibit the use of such accounts to carry out online scams.
The issue was reported by a diligent bank staffer on July 19, and Maharashtra Cyber, the state police’s wing dedicated to combating such internet scams, collaborated with appropriate financial intermediaries, saving Rs 31 crore that evening, he said.
A comment from IndusInd Bank on the heist was awaited.
According to the official, stringent follow-up processes have resulted in a savings of Rs 32.89 crore.
(with inputs from PTI)