New Delhi: The Central Bureau of Investigation (CBI) has initiated a large-scale operation targeting cyber fraud, conducting searches at 42 locations nationwide. The raids are aimed at identifying and dismantling networks using ‘mule bank accounts’—accounts often used to route money from illegal online activities.
The CBI has reportedly identified over 8.5 lakh mule accounts spread across more than 700 branches of various banks across India. These accounts are believed to play a key role in facilitating cyber frauds. The operation highlights growing concerns around digital crime and the misuse of banking infrastructure for illegal financial transactions.
The CBI has revealed that bank officials, agents, aggregators, bank correspondents, middlemen, and e-Mitras played key roles in opening mule accounts by bypassing KYC rules, customer due diligence, and risk checks. These accounts were used in various cyber frauds. The agency has filed a First Information Report (FIR) accusing those involved of criminal conspiracy, cheating, forgery, use of forged documents, and corruption under the Prevention of Corruption Act.
During the ongoing raids, the CBI seized important evidence, including documents, mobile phones, bank account opening forms, transaction records, and KYC files. These materials are critical to the investigation. So far, nine people have been arrested, including middlemen, agents, aggregators, account holders, and bank correspondents, for their involvement in the scheme. The CBI continues to investigate the matter thoroughly to bring all responsible parties to justice.
