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 concerted effort to disrupt the financial backbone of cybercrime networks, Odisha Police has launched a statewide campaign dubbed ‘Operation Cyber Kavach’, targeting mule and benami bank accounts used to funnel fraudulent funds.
The operation has resulted in the examination of 73 suspicious accounts, the issuance of notices to 51 suspects, and the arrest of six individuals.
The Campaign’s Objective
The campaign, which is part of a broader strategy to combat cybercrime, aims to dismantle the financial supply chain that enables cyber fraudsters to operate undetected.
According to officials, mule accounts play a crucial role in the layering and movement of cheated money, making it challenging to identify the true perpetrators.
Operation Details
During the operation, joint teams of district police and cyber units conducted synchronized actions in multiple districts, including Boudh, Malkangiri, Sundergarh, and Cuttack.
The crackdown led to the verification of 45 benami accounts in Boudh, the examination of 20 suspicious accounts in Malkangiri, and the probing of two accounts in Sundergarh, which resulted in links to earlier cases and the subsequent arrest of six individuals.
Investigations and Outcomes
Investigations have revealed that cyber fraudsters often use bank accounts of unsuspecting individuals in exchange for small commissions.
To combat this, 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.
Failure to provide satisfactory responses may lead to legal proceedings.
Police are examining banking trails, mobile numbers, Know Your Customer (KYC) documents, and digital evidence to establish culpability.
According to officials, mule accounts play a crucial role in the layering and movement of cheated money, making it challenging to identify the true perpetrators.
Future Plans and Public Advisory
The campaign will continue in the coming weeks, with authorities focusing on dismantling financial networks that enable cyber fraud and strengthening digital transaction security for citizens.
The public has been urged not to share bank account details, ATM cards, or One-Time Passwords (OTPs) with anyone and to avoid allowing their accounts to be used in exchange for commission.
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