Odisha police intensify crackdown on mule bank accounts to curb cybercrimes

Bhubaneswar: Odisha police have intensified their crackdown on cyber fraud networks by directing superintendents of police (SPs) to identify and dismantle organised rackets operating mule bank accounts.

These mule accounts, often used for routing, layering and withdrawing illegal funds, have emerged as a critical tool in scams ranging from digital arrest frauds to online trading rackets.DGP Y B Khurania has instructed SPs to work closely with banks to pinpoint hotspots where such accounts are being misused, stressing that coordinated vigilance is essential to curb the menace.Police said mule accounts are typically opened or shared by individuals who allow fraudsters to move illegal money in exchange for commissions.

They enable transactions such as cheque withdrawals, cryptocurrency conversions and rapid fund transfers, forming the backbone of cybercrime operations.Investigations revealed that scammers often procure these accounts through social media platforms, targeting students, low-income individuals and defunct businesses. Once acquired, the accounts are remotely controlled, making detection challenging.

Police authorities have warned that even permitting the use of personal accounts without direct involvement in fraud attracts serious criminal liability under the Bharatiya Nyaya Sanhita and cyber laws.Khurania said that Odisha police on Sunday detected 73 mule bank accounts in various districts, registered three cases, arrested six persons, and served legal notices on 51 suspected facilitators and account holders.“We have launched a special drive under the banner of ‘Operation Cyber Kavach’. The initiative aims to identify mule accounts and simultaneously target fake and pre-activated SIM card sellers, who play a crucial role in enabling fraudsters,” he said.SPs have been asked to analyse intelligence inputs regularly shared by the Indian Cyber Crime Coordination Centre (I4C) under the Union ministry of home affairs. Complaints registered on the National Cyber Crime Reporting Portal (NCRP) frequently highlight recurring bank accounts linked to fraud cases across multiple states.Police have flagged several indicators of mule accounts, including sudden large deposits in dormant accounts, rapid credit and debit transactions, immediate cash withdrawals, frequent changes in mobile numbers or emails, multiple accounts operated from a single IP address, and the use of OTP-forwarding applications.Issuing a public advisory, Odisha police urged citizens to refrain from sharing sensitive banking details such as ATM cards, cheque books, UPI credentials, OTPs or online banking access. They have cautioned against falling prey to offers of easy commissions through part-time jobs, cryptocurrency deals or work-from-home schemes that involve routing funds through personal accounts.