Chandigarh: Two ‘mules’ arrested by cyber police

Chandigarh police have taken into custody two individuals suspected of acting as ‘mules’ for a cybercrime operation. The accused include 24‑year‑old Salman Ansari, who lives in Milakh village, Mullanpur in Mohali, and 32‑year‑old Bheem Saroj, a resident of Khuda Lahora in Chandigarh. Their detention marks the latest development in a series of investigations targeting intermediaries who facilitate the movement of illicit digital assets.

In the context of cybercrime, a ‘mule’ typically refers to a person who allows their bank account or digital identity to be used for transferring stolen money, phishing proceeds, or other illicit flows. Law enforcement agencies across India have been cracking down on such networks, often tracing the chain of accounts to uncover larger syndicates.

The arrest was made after a coordinated effort by the Chandigarh cyber police, which traced suspicious transactions linked to the two suspects. Officials said the investigation revealed that the individuals were approached by a larger network that required them to receive and forward funds on behalf of other actors. While the precise nature of the underlying fraud remains under verification, the police have confirmed that the duo was actively involved in moving money between accounts.

Salman Ansari was apprehended from his residence in Milakh village, a locality that falls under the jurisdiction of Mohali. According to the police, Ansari was contacted through a messaging platform and instructed to receive transfers into his personal bank account. Bheem Saroj, meanwhile, was detained from his home in Khuda Lahora, a residential area on the eastern side of Chandigarh. Both men were reportedly unaware of the full scope of the activity, a detail that investigators are still evaluating.

The cyber police team, led by a senior inspector, executed the arrests in a swift operation that involved multiple raids across the two districts. The operation was carried out without incident, and both suspects were produced before a local magistrate for custody clarification.

This case underscores a growing concern among cybersecurity experts about the use of ordinary citizens as conduits for criminal financial flows. While many mules are unwitting participants, some are believed to be complicit, receiving a share of the proceeds for their services. The Chandigarh police have indicated that the investigation will continue to trace the financial trail, with a view to identifying the masterminds behind the operation.

Local authorities have urged residents to remain vigilant and to report any suspicious requests involving transfers of money or data. Cybercrime units across Punjab and Haryana have stepped up their monitoring of digital transactions, especially those involving accounts that appear to be used for quick, unverified transfers.

The arrests come amid a broader statewide drive by police forces to dismantle cyber‑enabled financial networks. In recent months, several similar cases have been reported in Mohali, Panchkula, and other parts of the Chandigarh region, prompting a coordinated response from the cyber police and the state’s cybersecurity cell.

While the legal process is ongoing, the police have assured the public that they are committed to protecting citizens from exploitation by criminal networks. Residents are encouraged to verify the legitimacy of any financial requests they receive and to avoid sharing personal banking details with unknown parties.

The case highlights the importance of cyber hygiene and the role that ordinary individuals can play—intentionally or not—in facilitating cybercrime. As investigations proceed, the Chandigarh cyber police plan to share further updates, aiming to deter future misuse of personal accounts and to strengthen the resilience of the region’s digital ecosystem.

Source: Hindustan Times