Manipur Police crack down on an elaborate cyber fraud operation involving fraudulent bank transactions. Investigations reveal links to national and international scam networks.
BY PC Bureau
In a major crackdown on cyber fraud, Manipur Police have arrested four individuals linked to an elaborate online scam that resulted in financial losses amounting to ₹1.45 crore. The arrests have raised serious concerns about the possible infiltration of Myanmar-based cybercrime syndicates into the northeastern state.
The accused—Ningthoujam Tombisana Singh (45), Kongbrailatpam Ruhinikumar Sharma (59), Thongam Punikanta Meitei (28), and Kshetrimayum Bobo Singh (36)—were apprehended from different districts, including Imphal West, Thoubal, and Bishnupur. They have been remanded to judicial custody until March 3.
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Cybercrime Network Exposed
According to the Cyber Crime Police Station, Manipur, the investigation revealed that the arrested individuals were involved in fraudulent bank transfers and the sale of mule accounts—bank accounts used to launder illegally obtained money. The accused reportedly facilitated transactions for cybercriminals operating across multiple states.
The case came to light after one of the accused, Ningthoujam Tombisana Singh, filed a complaint stating that he received an SMS on February 13 containing a suspicious link. Upon clicking the link, an application named ‘SMS Forward’ was automatically installed on his device. Over time, Singh was manipulated into submitting sensitive banking details under the pretense of receiving commissions.
Once his credentials were shared, his bank account was used to conduct fraudulent transactions, leading to a cumulative loss of ₹1.45 crore. Investigations later revealed that his account had been linked to multiple cyber fraud cases reported in states like Haryana and Odisha.
Role of Mule Accounts and Larger Network Connections
Further inquiries revealed that Singh had willingly shared his bank details with Kshetrimayum Bobo in exchange for a commission. During interrogation, the accused admitted to aiding cybercriminals by arranging mule accounts. Police suspect these transactions were part of a larger, well-organized scam operation with links beyond Manipur.
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Authorities are also on the lookout for two other individuals—Amarjit and Ranjan—who allegedly helped arrange mule accounts and remain at large. The police seized various electronic devices, including mobile phones, an HP laptop, and an ICICI cheque book, from the arrested individuals.
Possible Links to Myanmar Cyber Syndicates
Cybercrime experts believe the modus operandi of the Manipur fraud bears striking similarities to cyber scams orchestrated by Myanmar-based syndicates. These organized criminal groups operate from fortified compounds, often using trafficked individuals to run scam operations targeting people across the globe.
Authorities have also noted that the accused violated guidelines issued by the Indian Cyber Crime Coordination Centre (I4C), which has repeatedly warned citizens against selling or renting their bank accounts, company registration certificates, or Udyam Aadhaar credentials—tactics commonly employed in Myanmar-based cyber fraud.
Growing Threat to India’s Northeastern States?
With Manipur sharing a porous border with Myanmar, experts warn that the region could be at risk of becoming a hub for cyber fraud linked to international scam networks. The police are investigating whether this case is an isolated incident or part of a larger transnational cybercrime operation.
A case has been registered under FIR No. 4(02)2025 CCPS, with charges filed under multiple sections of the Bharatiya Nyaya Sanhita (BNS), including Sections 238, 319(2), 318(4), 61(2), and 3(5), all related to fraudulent activities and cybercrime.
The police have sought a seven-day custody extension to further interrogate the accused and trace other individuals connected to the case.
As cyber fraud cases rise across India, authorities are ramping up efforts to dismantle these networks before they gain a stronger foothold. The key question remains—has Myanmar’s cyber scam menace already spread to Manipur, and if so, how deep does it run?
