Unmasking the Deception: Pune Path Lab at the Heart of a Rs 1.15 Crore Cyber Fraud Ring

A shocking revelation by the Pune Police Cyber Crime Cell has exposed how a seemingly innocuous path lab in the city became a crucial conduit for a sophisticated cyber fraud operation, funneling over Rs 1.15 crore from unsuspecting victims. The Prime Path Lab, located in Wagholi, Pune, has been identified as a 'mule account,' facilitating at least ten major cyber fraud cases, ranging from elaborate investment scams to deceptive task and KYC frauds.

The intricate web of deceit came to light during an exhaustive investigation into various cybercrime complaints.

Police meticulously traced the illicit money trails, which consistently led back to the bank account associated with the Prime Path Lab. The sheer volume of transactions – a staggering Rs 1.15 crore – raised immediate red flags, pointing towards a coordinated criminal enterprise.

At the center of this financial labyrinth is Dr.

Nitin Kadam, the owner of Prime Path Lab. Dr. Kadam told authorities that in November 2023, he had rented out his lab premises to a man identified as Nilesh Dhage. According to Dr. Kadam, Dhage allegedly obtained various documents from him under the pretext of setting up the lab's operations, which were then purportedly used to open the suspicious bank account.

Investigators swiftly moved to apprehend Nilesh Dhage, who has since been arrested in connection with the fraudulent activities.

Police sources indicate that Dhage played a pivotal role in the scheme, serving as the intermediary who received funds from victims and subsequently transferred them to other accounts, effectively laundering the ill-gotten gains.

One poignant example of the fraud's devastating impact involves a 48-year-old businessman who fell prey to an investment scam, losing a substantial Rs 39.5 lakh.

The police investigation meticulously traced this significant sum directly to the Prime Path Lab's bank account, underscoring the lab's central role in the criminal network.

This case serves as a stark reminder of the evolving tactics employed by cybercriminals, who often exploit legitimate businesses and individuals as fronts for their illicit operations.

The use of 'mule accounts' is a common strategy to obscure the true beneficiaries of fraud, making detection and prosecution challenging. The Pune Police Cyber Crime Cell continues its thorough investigation, aiming to uncover the full extent of this fraud ring and bring all perpetrators to justice.

Citizens are urged to remain extremely vigilant against online scams and report any suspicious activities immediately.