Bengaluru: The Cyber Command Centre launched a major crackdown oncyber fraudnetworks across the state, arresting 13 people whose bank accounts were used as mule accounts to siphon off money.According to director general of police, cyber command, Ponab Mohanty, the operation uncovered a network of “mule herders” suspected of aggregating over 42,000 bank accounts and led to the arrest of 13 key masterminds who procured mule accounts. Mohanty said the raids were carried out as part of intensified efforts to tackle rising cyber fraud and as a follow-up to digital arrest cases. More than 40,000 mule bank accounts used for online scams have been uncovered so far.According to a senior officer, the accused used bank accounts belonging to unsuspecting individuals to carry out fraudulent transactions. Investigations revealed that cybercriminals obtained access to people’s accounts and used them for multiple cybercrimes. “These account holders acted as mule herders. They identified people, gained access to their accounts, and later shared those accounts with cybercrime networks,” Mohanty said.He added cybercriminals often contacted individuals and persuaded them to provide access to their bank accounts by collecting their personal identity documents. In many cases, people were paid between Rs 10,000 and Rs 15,000 to open or share bank accounts.The mule herders allegedly acted as retail agents for these mule accounts and sold or contracted them out to other cybercriminals to commit cyber fraud. These accounts were also used to facilitate illegal financial activities, including online scams, illegal betting, and digital arrest scams, Mohanty said.Police said many account holders were unaware that their details were used for fraudulent money transfers, leaving them vulnerable to serious legal and financial consequences.Simultaneous raids were carried out at more than 100 locations across 29 districts in the state on Feb 5 and 6. Around 17 FIRs were registered and 13 accused were arrested. During the raids, police seized 25 debit cards, 13 cheque books, 12 mobile phones, and other items.The raids are continuing, and more FIRs and arrests are likely to happen over the next two days, Mohanty added.The public are advised to be cautious and report any suspicious transactions.——Digital dragnet closes in■ 13 masterminds arrested ■ Over 40,000 mule accounts detected ■ Simultaneous raids across 100 locations in Karnataka ■ Innocent people’s account details being sold to cybercriminals ■ Accounts used for online fraud and ATM withdrawals
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