Bhubaneswar, Sept 7: A shocking cyber fraud case has emerged in Bhubaneswar, where a local family unknowingly became part of a nationwide scam by opening mule bank accounts and handing them over to cybercriminals from Bihar.

The family reportedly met the fraudsters in Prayagraj and agreed to open multiple bank accounts in exchange for a 1.4% commission.

These accounts were later used to funnel crores of rupees through digital fraud schemes. As suspicious transactions mounted, bank officials flagged the accounts, prompting an internal alert. The situation escalated when the individual who had received the accounts was allegedly abducted and brought to Bhubaneswar for questioning.

Following a formal complaint, the Cyber Police launched an investigation and arrested five individuals. The Chandaka Police seized mobile phones, sharp weapons, and three bank accounts linked to the scam. Preliminary findings suggest that each account was used to launder massive sums of money, with victims spread across multiple states.

The fraudsters reportedly targeted individuals from various regions, and the Commissionerate Police has now initiated coordination with law enforcement agencies outside Odisha. If necessary, the accused may be brought under remand for further interrogation.

Bhubaneswar DCP has appealed to citizens who suspect they’ve been victims of similar scams to report to the Cyber Police.

Authorities are now working to trace the full extent of the scam and identify other victims and collaborators. The investigation continues, with a focus on dismantling the network behind this sophisticated cybercrime.