CID Cybercrime Cell Exposes ₹100 Crore Mule Account Racket Across Karnataka
The Karnataka CID Cybercrime Command Cell has busted a massive mule bank account network, uncovering over 40,000 accounts used for cyber fraud transactions worth more than ₹100 crore. Thirteen mule account herders have been arrested, while the masterminds are suspected to be operating from Delhi and Dubai. Coordinated raids across 29 districts have led to multiple FIRs, highlighting the growing threat of organised cybercrime in India.
CID Cybercrime Cell Busts Massive Mule Account Racket in Karnataka
Bengaluru:
The Criminal Investigation Department’s Cybercrime Command Cell (CID-CCC) has uncovered a large-scale mule bank account racket operating across Karnataka, exposing financial transactions exceeding ₹100 crore over the past two years.
Investigations revealed the involvement of more than 40,000 mule accounts, which were used to channel proceeds from cyber fraud, including illegal betting, digital arrest scams, and other online financial crimes. The CID has so far arrested 13 mule account “herders” from different parts of the state, including Bengaluru.
Key Details of the Mule Account Racket
| Aspect | Details |
|---|---|
| Total mule accounts identified | 40,000+ |
| Total illegal transactions | ₹100 crore+ |
| Key accused transactions | ₹55 crore through 19 accounts |
| Arrests made | 13 mule herders |
| Linked cybercrime cases | 96 cases across India |
| Kingpin locations | Delhi and Dubai |
| Commission paid to mule holders | ₹10,000–₹20,000 per month |
| Districts covered in raids | 29 districts |
| FIRs registered so far | Nearly 20 |
DGP (CID-Cyber Command) Pronab Mohanty stated that two prime accused, one from Shivamogga and another from Bengaluru, played a crucial role in routing ₹55 crore through a limited number of mule accounts.
“Prima facie, these individuals are linked to 96 cybercrime cases, while the masterminds of the operation are based in Delhi and Dubai,” he said.
Police investigations showed that most mule account holders belonged to working-class backgrounds and were often unaware that their bank accounts were being used for cyber fraud. Many were induced with monthly payments ranging from ₹10,000 to ₹20,000 in exchange for their ATM cards, cheque books, and bank documents.
The CID revealed that the racket was run by an organised network of mule herders, who collected banking credentials and supplied them to cybercriminal syndicates for routing and laundering illicit funds.
The arrests followed coordinated raids conducted over two days starting February 5, covering over 100 locations across 29 districts in Karnataka. Further investigations are underway to trace additional accused and financial links.
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