Hyderabad police intensify crackdown on mule account networks

Cyber fraudsters are increasingly using social media platforms to recruit mule bank accounts by offering commissions. Hyderabad police have arrested over 200 account holders in five months and intensified surveillance and legal action against those involved in cyber fraud networks.

Hyderabad: Cyber fraudsters are adopting new and novel tactics to recruit mule bank accounts through social media platforms, offering attractive commissions for current and savings accounts while concealing their identities and trapping unsuspecting individuals.

The growing menace is reflected in the arrest of more than 200 mule account holders, including over 10 women, in the city in the last five months.

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Against this backdrop, the City Cybercrime police have stepped up surveillance of social media platforms, including Instagram, Facebook, X and WhatsApp, where advertisements are posted for the purchase of bank accounts.

Cybercrime authorities are tracking such accounts, registering cases against those involved and initiating measures to freeze or deactivate suspicious mule accounts as part of an ongoing crackdown.

Despite intensified efforts, police have struggled to curb the misuse of mule accounts in cybercrime. Meetings with bankers, appeals to the RBI and legal action against negligent bank employees also appear to have failed to produce the desired results.

Law enforcement authorities have now identified the involvement of several bank employees, including branch managers, in cases related to the opening and operation of mule accounts. Recently, cases were registered against some officials and are being investigated.

Law enforcement officials are urging citizens to remain wary of unsolicited offers that promise quick financial rewards in exchange for access to their banking credentials. They reminded the public that lending a bank account, even for a small commission, is a serious criminal offence that can lead to permanent blacklisting and severe legal consequences.