Bengaluru Cybercrime Bust: College Dropout Ran 4,200 Bank Accounts in ₹24 Crore Money-Laundering Network

Police in Bengaluru have uncovered a large cybercrime operation allegedly run by a 22-year-old college dropout who managed thousands of bank accounts to launder money siphoned through online frauds.

The accused, Mohammed Uzaif, and his mother are alleged to have created and controlled an extensive “money mule” network that enabled cybercriminals to move illicit funds across India and overseas. Investigators say the duo operated around 4,200 bank accounts directly, while the broader network handled close to 9,000 accounts.

According to police estimates, transactions worth nearly ₹24 crore passed through these accounts. Authorities claim the accused earned more than ₹25 lakh annually by facilitating the movement and concealment of fraud proceeds. The operation is believed to be linked to a Dubai-based Indian handler, Prem Taneja, who is currently wanted in connection with the case.

Investigators allege that the duo recruited account holders by approaching people at government hospitals and colleges, offering small payments to open bank accounts. Debit cards, cheque books and passbooks were then collected and routed to associates in Delhi, who managed withdrawals, transfers and courier movements to launder the money.

So far, police have arrested multiple associates linked to the network, with records indicating connections to hundreds of cybercrime cases reported across the country. Raids led to the seizure of hundreds of debit cards, mobile phones, cash, jewellery, luxury watches and documents related to digital payments and cryptocurrency.

Officials said the accused maintained a high-spending lifestyle, residing in a premium neighbourhood and purchasing expensive personal items, even as the alleged fraud network expanded nationwide. Investigations are ongoing to trace remaining proceeds, identify victims, and dismantle linked operations.