India’s Cyber Police Crack Down on Mule Accounts in Operation Cyber Kavach, Six Arrested
Odisha Police Launches Statewide Crackdown on Mule Accounts in ‘Operation Cyber Kavach’
In a major operation aimed at disrupting the financial networks of cybercrime syndicates, Odisha Police has launched a statewide crackdown on mule and benami bank accounts used to launder fraudulent funds. The campaign, dubbed ‘Operation Cyber Kavach’, has resulted in the examination of 73 suspicious accounts and the issuance of notices to 51 suspects.
Operation Cyber Kavach
According to officials, the operation is focused on dismantling the financial backbone of cybercrime networks, which rely heavily on mule accounts to layer and move illicit funds. These accounts, often belonging to unsuspecting individuals, are used by cyber fraudsters to receive and transfer proceeds of crime, making it challenging for law enforcement to trace the real perpetrators.
Crackdown Details
The operation, conducted under the supervision of senior police leadership, involved joint teams of district police and cyber units carrying out synchronized actions in multiple districts. The crackdown has already led to the arrest of six individuals and the identification of several suspicious accounts.
- In Boudh district, 45 benami accounts were verified, and one new case was registered.
- In Malkangiri, 20 suspicious accounts were examined, and one case was filed.
- In Sundergarh, two accounts were probed, leading to links to earlier cases and the arrest of six individuals.
- In Cuttack, six mule accounts were checked, and notices were issued to six persons, resulting in one new case.
Police Strategy
The police have shifted their focus from merely arresting call-centre operators to disrupting the financial supply chain of cybercrime. Suspicious accounts are being identified, frozen, and analyzed for the role of account holders. The 51 individuals who received notices have been asked to explain the nature of transactions in their accounts, and failure to provide satisfactory responses may lead to legal proceedings.
The police are examining banking trails, mobile numbers, KYC documents, and digital evidence to establish culpability.
Public Advisory
The police have urged the public not to share bank account details, ATM cards, or OTPs with anyone and to avoid allowing their accounts to be used in exchange for commission.
Future Plans
The campaign will continue in the coming weeks, with authorities focusing on dismantling financial networks that enable cybercrime and strengthening digital transaction security for citizens.
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