The Karnataka State Cyber Command has initiated a statewide campaign against mule bank accounts, resulting in the apprehension of 68 key suspects and accused individuals from December 2025 to February 2026. Mule accounts are utilized by cybercriminals to unlawfully transfer, receive, or hide proceeds of criminal activities, often involving intermediaries known as mule account holders or mule herders.
In a bid to combat organized cyber fraud networks, the Cyber Command in Karnataka has conducted targeted operations against mule accounts and mule herders. This recent drive, part of ongoing enforcement endeavors, aims to dismantle cybercrime infrastructure within the state.
Law enforcement authorities identified and dismantled networks of mule herders who manage multiple mule bank accounts, facilitating fraudulent financial transactions for cybercriminals. These individuals were found to be procuring, aggregating, and selling mule bank accounts to cyber fraud operators involved in various online financial crimes, as stated by Mohanty.
Police have taken action against a total of 68 suspects and accused individuals during the specified period, with 60 cases registered in connection with the mule account network. A significant number of 869 mule bank accounts linked to cyber fraud activities have been identified, with 8,788 complaints lodged on the National Cybercrime Reporting Portal (NCRP) against these accounts.
Authorities have successfully frozen Rs 13.43 crore to prevent further financial losses in cybercrime cases amounting to an estimated Rs 85.05 crore. Additionally, investigative efforts led to the arrest of 68 individuals, issuance of 32 search warrants, and the execution of 35 search operations at various locations associated with the accused persons.
During these searches, law enforcement seized 35 ATM cards, 37 passbooks, 80 mobile phones, 28 cheque books, 22 SIM cards, and 50 other incriminating items related to cybercrime operations, according to the statement issued.
The Cyber Command’s crackdown reflects its commitment to disrupting financial channels exploited by cybercriminals and enhancing cybercrime enforcement and financial security in Karnataka.
