Transnational gangs use payment gateways for money laundering: MHA

“These gateways are created by transnational cybercriminals, who provide money laundering services... exploiting the bulk payout facility provided by banks,” the MHA said.

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The MHA said the information was analysed by the Indian Cybercrime Coordination Centre (I4C).

The Union Home Ministry on Monday issued an alert about illegal payment gateways created by transnational cybercrime gangs using mule bank accounts.

“These gateways are created by transnational cybercriminals, who provide money laundering services… exploiting the bulk payout facility provided by banks,” the MHA said.

Recently, police in Gujarat and Andhra Pradesh conducted nationwide raids revealing that cybercriminals have set up illegal digital payment gateways using rented bank accounts to launder proceeds from various crimes.

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“Some of the payment gateways identified during the operation are PeacePay, RTX Pay, PocoPay, RPPay, etc.,” the statement added. The MHA said the information was analysed by the Indian Cybercrime Coordination Centre (I4C).

“… they scout for savings and current accounts of shell companies and individuals through platforms like Telegram and Facebook… An illegal payment gateway is then created… which is provided to criminal syndicates for accepting deposits on illegal platforms,” the MHA explained.

“The proceeds of such crimes are immediately layered into other accounts as soon as they are received… I4C has advised citizens not to sell or rent their bank accounts, company registration certificates, or Udhyam Aadhaar Registration certificates to anyone. Illicit funds deposited into such bank accounts can lead to legal consequences, including arrest.”

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