Azamgarh, Uttar Pradesh: A cyber fraud network allegedly using rented bank accounts (mule accounts), fake investment applications, online gaming platforms and cryptocurrency to facilitate financial fraud worth crores of rupees has been uncovered in Uttar Pradesh’s Azamgarh district. According to investigators, the accused lured individuals by offering ₹20,000 to ₹30,000 in exchange for renting their bank accounts and mobile SIM cards. These accounts were allegedly used to receive proceeds of cyber fraud before the money was rapidly transferred through multiple accounts, making it difficult to trace the funds.
According to police data, 25 cybercrime cases have been registered in the district so far in 2026. Of these, 14 cases involved cyber fraud exceeding ₹2.97 crore. During the same period, 19 accused persons have been arrested, ₹3.66 lakh has been recovered, and ₹49.66 lakh in suspected fraudulent funds has been frozen.
Investigators also uncovered two major cybercrime operations during the probe. In the first case, four accused were arrested on June 16, and they were allegedly linked to 448 cybercrime complaints registered across the country. In another case, an accused was arrested for allegedly supplying bank accounts, ATM cards and mobile SIM cards to cybercriminals. Police recovered a biometric device, cloned thumb impressions, ATM cards and forged documents from his possession.
Investigators said mule accounts have become a crucial component of modern cyber-enabled financial crime. Fraudsters allegedly route stolen money through these accounts before transferring it through multiple banking channels and digital platforms, making it significantly harder for law enforcement agencies to trace the movement of funds and identify the ultimate beneficiaries.
According to the Future Crime Research Foundation, most financial cybercrimes today rely more on social engineering than technical hacking. Criminals manipulate victims by creating fear, urgency, greed or a false sense of opportunity, persuading them to voluntarily disclose sensitive information such as OTPs, UPI PINs, banking credentials or to enable screen sharing.
Cybersecurity experts have advised people never to rent out their bank accounts, ATM cards, mobile SIM cards or KYC documents in exchange for money or commission. Doing so may unknowingly make them part of a cybercrime money-laundering chain and could expose them to criminal liability.
Anyone who becomes a victim of cyber fraud should immediately report the incident through the National Cyber Crime Helpline (1930), file a complaint on the National Cyber Crime Reporting Portal, inform their bank to stop or freeze suspicious transactions, and change passwords for all banking and digital accounts. Experts also advise never sharing OTPs, UPI PINs, CVV numbers, internet banking credentials or allowing screen-sharing access with unknown persons.
About the author — Suvedita Nath is a science student with a growing interest in cybercrime and digital safety. She writes on online activity, cyber threats, and technology-driven risks. Her work focuses on clarity, accuracy, and public awareness.
