Bihar Cracks Down on Mule Accounts: Vigilance on Bankers and CSC Operators

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Bihar Authorities Crack Down on Mule Accounts Used in Cybercrime

In a bid to combat the rising threat of cybercrime, the Economic Offences Unit (EOU) of Bihar Police has intensified its surveillance on bankers and Common Service Centre (CSC) operators across the state.

The move comes as the number of mule accounts used in cyber fraud and money laundering has seen a significant surge over the past two years.

According to the EOU, a recent FIR filed by the Central Bureau of Investigation (CBI) against a Punjab & Sind Bank branch manager and 17 others revealed that approximately ₹1,084 crore was laundered through 13 accounts opened using fake Know Your Customer (KYC) documents.

Investigation and Crackdown

The investigation found that the primary hub of the network was located in Punjab, but suspected links to Bihar prompted state agencies to take swift action.

The EOU’s additional director general emphasized that concrete steps are being taken to dismantle cybercriminal networks and urged the public to cooperate in the effort.

Citizens have been warned not to open bank accounts in others’ names for commissions or allow third parties to operate their accounts, as these accounts are frequently used to channel fraud proceeds.

In a recent development, a Canara Bank assistant manager and an Axis Bank officer in Patna were arrested for allegedly facilitating mule accounts.

Investigators discovered that some banking personnel had shared tips with cybercriminals on how to evade transaction monitoring systems and avoid triggering red flags.

Mule Accounts and Cybercrime

EOU sources revealed that cyber gangs are collaborating with CSC operators, particularly in rural and border areas, to open large numbers of mule accounts.

These accounts are used to quickly layer and transfer stolen funds across multiple beneficiaries, making detection and tracing challenging.

As part of the crackdown, Superintendents of Police across districts have been directed to take action against 616 identified mule accounts.

Prompt intervention has resulted in ₹107 crore being frozen, while approximately ₹8 crore has been refunded to victims.

Future Actions

Authorities stress that targeting mule accounts is crucial to dismantling the financial backbone of cyber fraud operations, as these accounts enable the withdrawal and onward movement of illicit funds.

In the coming weeks, banking audits, stricter KYC verification, and enhanced monitoring of digital transactions are expected to be intensified.

The EOU has warned that account holders will face legal action if their accounts are found to have been used in cybercrime, even if they claim to have allowed others to operate them unknowingly.

The agency has urged the public to report suspicious banking activity immediately and remain vigilant against offers of easy money linked to account usage.