MHA Alert: Illegal Payment Gateways Fueling Global Cybercrime

India’s Cybercrime Coordination Center (I4C), operating under the Ministry of Home Affairs (MHA), has raised the alarm over illegal payment gateways set up by transnationally organized cybercriminals, who are misusing mule bank accounts. According to an MHA statement, these illegal channels contribute significantly to money laundering.

Investigations into nationwide police raids in Gujarat and Andhra Pradesh (FIR 0113/2024, FIR 310/2024) have revealed that these cybercriminals have set up unauthorized digital payment infrastructures using leased accounts. This unlawful scheme facilitates the laundering of proceeds from a range of cybercrimes, the MHA announced.

The ministry, in collaboration with law enforcement agencies across the country and under the leadership of Prime Minister Narendra Modi and Home Minister Amit Shah, is committed to a cyber-secure India. The I4C has discovered that shell companies and accounts of individuals, often requested via social media, are being misused by these fraudsters. Citizens are urged not to compromise their financial accounts and to report any cyber transactions to the authorities.

(With input from agencies.)