Manipur Cyber Crime Unit Busts Bank-Account Fraud Racket in Thoubal — Two Arrested
The Cyber Crime Unit of Thoubal district (Manipur) carried out an intelligence-led raid and arrested two people alleged to be running a mule-bank-account racket used for online fraud — Kongkham Apu Singh (32) from Thoubal Athokpam Awang Leikai and Yengkhom (O) Rasheshwori Leima (39) from Wangmataba Sorok Makha. Police say the pair opened and supplied bank accounts in collusion with cyber fraudsters to launder and transfer money; investigators seized three mobile phones and other incriminating items, and the probe to unearth other accomplices is ongoing.
What happened — the raid, the arrests and the evidence
- Local intelligence tipped off the Cyber Crime Unit of Thoubal district that a pair of people were operating a “mule-account” setup — opening bank accounts and handing them over to cybercriminals for money transfers and laundering.
- Acting on the tip, teams carried out coordinated raids at separate residences within Thoubal. They arrested Kongkham Apu Singh (32) at Thoubal Athokpam Awang Leikai and Yengkhom (O) Rasheshwori Leima (39) at Thoubal Wangmataba Sorok Makha.
- Investigators seized three mobile phones and other incriminating material from the suspects. Police say the accounts were used by cyber criminals to route and launder money obtained via online fraud
- The probe is ongoing and authorities are attempting to identify and apprehend other members of the racket.
FAQs
1. Q: Who were arrested in the Thoubal cybercrime operation?
A: Police reported two arrests: Kongkham Apu Singh (32) from Thoubal Athokpam Awang Leikai and Yengkhom (O) Rasheshwori Leima (39) from Thoubal Wangmataba Sorok Makha. Investigators seized three mobile phones and other incriminating items from them.
2. Q: What exactly is a “mule account”?
A: A mule account is a bank account used by fraudsters to receive and forward proceeds of cybercrime. It’s often opened or controlled by someone who rents or lends the account to criminals, sometimes knowingly and sometimes under false pretences. Mule accounts help launder money and evade detection.
3. Q: If someone offers me money to open a bank account for “work,” how should I respond?
A: Don’t do it. Treat it as a scam. Refuse, report the offer to your bank and local police, and consider telling a trusted community leader. Legitimate employers will not ask you to accept funds and forward them externally without legal documentation and payroll formalities.
4. Q: What can banks do to stop mule accounts from being used?
A: Banks can tighten KYC, monitor transactions for suspicious patterns (rapid inflows followed by immediate outflows), require re-verification for dormant accounts activated with large transfers, and maintain quick freeze-and-share protocols with law enforcement. Public awareness campaigns are also vital.
5. Q: How can I report suspected cybercrime or mule account activity in India?
A: Contact your bank’s fraud helpline immediately and file a complaint with local police or the national cyber crime reporting portal. Preserve transaction messages, screenshots and any messages from suspects — they’re valuable evidence.
