Guwahati, 2 November (HS): The Special Task Force (STF) of Assam has arrested six persons for their alleged involvement in an organised financial fraud syndicate operating through mule bank accounts, with suspected links to Pakistan Intelligence Operatives (PIOs).

According to the official information on Monday, acting on intelligence inputs from central agencies, including Military Intelligence (MI), Gajraj, Tezpur, the STF registered a case and launched an investigation following a complaint lodged by Sonitpur Police at the STF Police Station.

Preliminary investigation revealed that an SBI account belonging to accused Marjina Begum of Ganesh Nagar under Chandmari Police Station in Guwahati received deposits amounting to several lakhs of rupees within just 47 days, between June 22 and August 5, 2026. The money was allegedly withdrawn almost immediately after each deposit, raising suspicion of fraudulent financial transactions.

Investigators subsequently identified the alleged involvement of Mofijul Haque (22) and Himangshu Das (19), both residents of Bamunimaidan under Chandmari Police Station. Preliminary findings also indicated a suspected connection with a Pakistan Intelligence Operative.

The STF launched an operation on October 28 and arrested the three accused persons. Mobile phones and incriminating documents were recovered from their possession.

During interrogation, Mofijul Haque and Himangshu Das reportedly disclosed the names of other individuals associated with the racket. Acting on the information, the STF arrested three more accused persons in subsequent operations.

Rakib Hussain (34) was arrested from his residence at Ganesh Bagar on October 29. On October 30, Iftar Hussain (25) was arrested from Uzanbazar and Arman Azuz Hoque (20) from Ananda Bagar in Guwahati.

During the raids, the STF seized mobile phones, laptops, electronic gadgets, bank passbooks, ATM cards and several incriminating documents from the arrested persons. Guwahati City Police also assisted the STF in conducting the operations.

According to the preliminary investigation, the syndicate has allegedly been operating across different parts of the country for approximately two years by using multiple mule bank accounts to facilitate fraudulent financial transactions.

Investigators suspect that the racket has cheated victims of several crores of rupees. The suspected mastermind is believed to be operating from outside Assam and coordinating the activities of other members of the syndicate.

The STF said that six accused persons have been arrested so far. The investigation is continuing to identify and apprehend other members, trace the flow of fraudulent funds, identify additional mule bank accounts and dismantle the network.

The agency is also investigating the nature and extent of the suspected involvement of Pakistan-based intelligence operatives or other anti-national elements in the alleged nexus.----------

Hindusthan Samachar / Sriprakash