Investigations Reveal Organized Money‑Laundering Network Linked to Cyber Fraud

The Telangana Cyber Security Bureau’s recent probe into Khammam’s cyber‑fraud scene has exposed an elaborate money‑laundering apparatus. The investigation traced a chain of 10 fabricated bank accounts—referred to as muul accounts—provided by two accused individuals to funnel illicit proceeds from multiple online scams.

Authorities discovered that these accounts served as collection points for funds generated by cyber fraudsters, who then redistributed the money into a series of genuine accounts to conceal the origin. In addition, the muul accounts were linked to Telegram channels operated by foreign actors, primarily from China, facilitating payments for unauthorized online gaming ventures.

The bureau’s data‑driven approach identified 121 fake accounts spread across 30 bank branches, 273 accounts associated with large ATM cash‑outs, and 12 accounts used for cheque withdrawals above ₹20,000. Cumulatively, the financial trail showed transactions totalling ₹7.84 crore, with a disputed portion of ₹6.23 crore.

The uncovering of this network underscores a coordinated effort by criminal groups to intertwine cyber scams with traditional money‑laundering techniques. The operation, carried out by 40 police personnel across eleven squads, demonstrates the state’s resolve to dismantle such synergistic crime structures.