Maharashtra Cyber uncovers 23,328 bank accounts linked to Rs 172 crore fraud network

Data released by Maharashtra Cyber highlighting key figures from the ongoing statewide crackdown. Pics/Maharashtra Cyber

Maharashtra Cyber has identified 23,328 bank accounts linked to money mule operations, fraudulent cheque withdrawals and ATM scams involving Rs 172 crore. Launched on July 1 under ‘Operation 1930: Cyber Safety', the statewide drive targets the wider infrastructure facilitating cybercrime. Intelligence analysis has so far led to 803 proactive FIRs. The cases were not limited to individual victim complaints, allowing police to "move upstream" and target the infrastructure supporting cybercrime.

The crackdown

Officials said the operation targets the financial and communication infrastructure facilitating cyber fraud. Police units across Maharashtra are conducting verification and enforcement based on Cyber's intelligence and data analysis.

SIMs flagged

Police are verifying users of these SIM cards and sellers facilitating their misuse. "The operation targets fraudsters, mule accounts, cash-withdrawal channels, SIM infrastructure, and facilitators that enable cybercrime," an official said.

Faster FIRs

To streamline cases, Maharashtra introduced the E-Zero FIR system on July 10. Frauds exceeding R5 lakh reported on the national portal automatically convert to E-Zero FIRs and transfer to local units, where victims must visit and sign the E-FIR within 72 hours. The 1930 Cyber Helpline handles 8000 to 10,000 calls daily with a 100 per cent answer rate, with more than two lakh complaints handled across the state in the first seven months of 2026.

Fraud trail

>> Money mule accounts
>> 2717 Layer-1 accounts
>> 57 banks
>> Rs 12.57 crore involved
>> Cheque withdrawals
>> 3597 accounts
>> 2171 branches flagged
>> Rs 89.30 crore involved
>> ATM withdrawals
>> 17,014 accounts
>> 10,075 ATM IDs
>> Rs 70.14 crore involved
>> Suspect SIMs
>> 5684 SIM cards flagged
>> Linked to 7312 cybercrime complaints

Funds safeguarded

Timely intervention and freezing of suspected fraudulent transactions helped safeguard Rs 514.36 crore, bringing total saved citizen funds to over Rs 1700 crore. Box Grievances addressed The department is also using its Grievance Redressal Module (GRM) to address cases involving wrongful debit freezes or lien markings on bank accounts. Complaints submitted through a citizen's home bank branch are forwarded to the concerned police unit for verification and necessary action within 15 days.

More than 5800 grievances have been addressed through the mechanism. Box Money restored Meanwhile, under the Money Restoration Module (MRM), victims of cyber financial fraud can have amounts of up to R50,000 per account restored without a court order. Since July 1, the module has helped restore R25.46 crore to victims through coordinated action by police units across Maharashtra.

[popcorn number="July 1" desc="Day the statewide cybercrime crackdown was launched" class="Default"]