In a major crackdown on rising cybercrime cases, Cyberabad Police have busted a network involved in supplying “mule bank accounts” used for large-scale online frauds. A 27-year-old man has been arrested for allegedly providing bank accounts, ATM cards, passbooks, and other financial instruments that were later used in cyber scams across multiple states. Investigations have revealed that these accounts were being used in trading frauds, digital arrest scams, online gaming frauds, and part-time job-related cheating schemes.
How the network was recruited
According to police, the accused has been identified as Dilip Singh, a resident of Nagaur district in Rajasthan, currently living in the IDA Jeedimetla area of Medchal-Malkajgiri district. He reportedly worked as a delivery agent but allegedly got drawn into cybercrime networks due to the lure of quick financial gains.
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Instagram ad and international handlers
Investigators revealed that the accused came in contact with unidentified individuals in 2024 through an Instagram advertisement that offered money in exchange for providing bank accounts. Police said he was promised commissions of ₹25,000 for each savings account and up to ₹50,000 for each current account supplied.
Cybercrime officials stated that the accused later maintained contact with individuals using international WhatsApp numbers, identified as “Jordan” and “Pintu Bhaiya.” He allegedly began sourcing bank accounts in his own name and in the names of others, and supplied them to cyber fraud networks. These accounts were distributed along with ATM cards, SIM cards, passbooks, and cheque books to different locations across India to facilitate smooth transfer of illegally obtained money.
During raids, police recovered ₹1.02 lakh in cash, three mobile phones, 12 debit cards, one credit card, three bank passbooks, and seven cheque books from the accused. In addition, 33 banking documents were seized, which were reportedly meant to be dispatched to different destinations for use in fraud operations.
Officials said the network operated in a highly organized manner. Individuals were first lured with small commissions to open bank accounts, which were later handed over to cybercriminals for fraudulent transactions. Police suspect that certain bank employees may also have been involved in enabling the activation and supply of these accounts, raising concerns about deeper institutional involvement.
Why mule accounts matter
Authorities noted that mule accounts have become the backbone of modern cyber fraud operations. Through these accounts, scammers are able to quickly route stolen funds across multiple layers, making it extremely difficult for law enforcement agencies to trace the original source of the money.
Cybercrime officials have issued a strong warning to the public, advising people not to share their bank accounts, ATM cards, SIM cards, or internet banking credentials with anyone under any circumstances, regardless of financial incentives. Such actions are considered serious criminal offenses under cyber laws.
The investigation is still ongoing, and police are working to identify other individuals connected to the network. Authorities are also trying to determine how many bank accounts have been used so far in cyber fraud activities and the total scale of the financial damage caused.
