Vadodara: Cybercrime investigators arrested Mahendra Meghwal, a resident of Pune, Maharashtra, on Sunday for his alleged role in opening and operating fake bank accounts used by cyber fraud gangs to siphon money from victims.According to police, Meghwal specialized in creating and managing fraudulent bank accounts which he then sold to cybercriminal groups. Authorities launched the investigation after a victim filed a complaint regarding a cyber fraud incident that occurred a few months ago.The victim reported that he received a threatening call from fraudsters who claimed his Aadhaar card was involved in money laundering. The scammers said that the Delhi Cybercrime Cell would contact him soon.

Subsequently, the victim was called by another gang member who falsely claimed to have received Rs 1 lakh along with a commission through a money laundering racket.The fraudsters pressured the victim through a video call, demanding his bank account and investment details, threatening arrest if he did not comply. The victim was extorted for Rs 23 lakh before filing a complaint, which prompted the police to trace the bank accounts where the money was transferred, eventually leading to 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 added, "While Meghwal operated some accounts himself to withdraw funds, he handed over the control of other accounts to cyber fraud gangs." During the investigation, police recovered several property rental agreements from Meghwal. It was revealed that he intended to rent some shops in the city to further facilitate the opening of fraudulent bank accounts. "We have contacted the shop owners to warn them about this fraudulent activity," Patel said.Police are also verifying Meghwal's Aadhaar card, which lists a Vadodara address.