Pune man arrested in Vadodara for aiding cyber fraud gangs through fake bank accounts
Cybercrime investigators arrested Mahendra Meghwal, a resident of Pune, on May 18 for his alleged involvement in creating and operating
fake bank accounts
used by cybercrime syndicates to siphon money from unsuspecting victims.
According to the police, Meghwal was known for his expertise in setting up and managing fraudulent bank accounts, which he later sold to cybercriminal groups. The investigation began after a victim reported a cyber fraud incident that had taken place a few months earlier.
The victim said he received a threatening phone call claiming his Aadhaar card was linked to a money laundering case. The fraudsters warned him that the Delhi Cybercrime Cell would contact him soon.
Shortly after, another caller from the gang claimed that Rs 1 lakh had been transferred to him as part of a money laundering operation, including a commission.
Under pressure during a video call, the fraudsters demanded the victim's bank and investment details, threatening arrest if he failed to comply, according to a TOI report. The victim ultimately lost Rs 23 lakh before filing a complaint, which led police to track the trail of bank accounts involved—eventually resulting in Meghwal's arrest.
Cybercrime inspector BN Patel said, "Meghwal, who has studied only up to class 8, developed expertise in opening fake bank accounts. He used identity documents of people from his town and also took properties on rent temporarily, using rental agreements to open multiple bank accounts."
Patel further stated, "While Meghwal operated some accounts himself to withdraw funds, he handed over the control of other accounts to
cyber fraud gangs
." During the investigation, authorities recovered several rental agreements from Meghwal, who was planning to rent shops in the city to continue the fraudulent activity.
"We have contacted the shop owners to warn them about this fraudulent activity," Patel added. Police are also in the process of verifying Meghwal's Aadhaar card, which lists a Vadodara address.
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