Bhubaneswar: Odisha Police has intensified its statewide drive against cyber criminals under the special campaign ‘Operation Cyber Kabuch’, targeting mule and benami bank accounts used to route fraudulent funds. In a coordinated crackdown, police examined 73 suspicious accounts, registered three new cyber cases, and arrested six accused. Notices have also been issued to 51 suspected account holders seeking an explanation for questionable transactions.
Officials said the operation is aimed at dismantling the financial backbone of cyber fraud networks, as mule accounts are the primary channel through which cheated money is layered and moved to evade detection.
Simultaneous action across districts
Joint teams of district police and cyber units carried out synchronized action in multiple districts:
- Boudh: 45 benami accounts verified, one new case registered, notices to 45 individuals
- Malkangiri: 20 suspicious accounts examined, one case registered
- Sundergarh: Two accounts probed; links to earlier cases led to six arrests
- Cuttack (UPD): Six mule accounts checked, notices to six persons, one new case registered
The entire operation was conducted under the supervision of senior police leadership, with SPs, DCPs and district cyber teams working in coordination.
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Mule accounts as key enablers
Investigations revealed that cyber fraudsters often use bank accounts of unsuspecting individuals in exchange for small commissions. Fraud proceeds are first transferred into these accounts and then moved through multiple layers, making it difficult to trace the real perpetrators.
Recognising this, police have shifted focus from merely arresting call-centre operators to disrupting the financial supply chain of cyber crime. Suspicious accounts are being identified, frozen and analysed for the role of account holders.
Legal action after notices
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, KYC documents and digital evidence to establish culpability.
Strategic push for digital safety
Officials said effective control of cyber crime requires choking the flow of illicit funds. ‘Operation Cyber Kabuch’ is part of a broader strategy to identify, verify and take action against mule accounts across the state.
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.
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.
