Raids conducted in Kochi city as part of Operation Cy-Hunt, a State-wide drive against organised cyber-financial frauds, have unearthed an alarming trend of students falling prey to criminal networks riding on mule accounts. Of the eight people arrested in six cases registered within the Kochi City police limits as part of the drive, three are college students who had been allegedly helping fraudsters in transacting proceeds of cyber crimes.
The trio were nabbed by the Eloor police on Thursday (October 30). The arrested are Abhishek Viju, 21, of Vadakkum Bhagam, Eloor; Hafis, 20, of Thandekkadu, Vengola; and Althaf, 21, of Adivaram, Edathala. According to the police, Abhishek opened a bank account and handed over its details, passbook, and ATM card to Hafis, who in turn used the account to transact money gained through alleged cyber fraud. Althaf, meanwhile, allegedly helped Hafiz withdraw the proceeds of crime using a cheque.
District Police Chief (Kochi City) Putta Vimaladitya told the media on Friday (October 31) that the three accused were well aware of their involvement in the crime. “Hafis had gained details of bank accounts from at least 10 other students. The accused used to convince others to hand over bank account details, saying they required more accounts to transact amounts gained through online gaming, as their accounts had reached transaction limits. The account details were accessed by paying the students some remuneration,” Mr. Vimaladitya said.
Awareness drive
He said Abhishek’s bank account was found linked to cyber frauds reported in four States. The officer added that the accounts of those arrested in the drive were being used to withdraw and transfer the proceeds of crimes. In the case registered by the Eloor police, the accused had withdrawn ₹6 lakh in two transactions on Thursday alone, he said.
Mr. Vimaladitya said the police had decided to conduct an intense awareness drive to sensitise students about the dangers involved in handing over their bank account details to others. “Students may not be aware that their accounts are being used for organised cyber crimes. We will be conducting awareness campaigns focussing on colleges in a month,” he said.
The police had on Thursday arrested 284 people and registered 439 cases under Operation Cy-Hunt. The Ernakulam Rural police arrested the largest number of accused as part of the drive by nabbing 43 suspects.
Published – October 31, 2025 07:54 pm IST
