Belagavi: A large cyber fraud network has come to light in Karnataka’s Belagavi after investigators identified around 2,900 mule bank accounts allegedly used by cybercriminals to route money obtained through online fraud. These accounts were reportedly used to transfer funds between multiple accounts and, in some cases, send the money to overseas destinations.
Fraudsters Lured Youth and Women With Commission Schemes
Investigations suggest the network was operating in a well-organised manner. Cyber fraudsters allegedly targeted unemployed youth and women, offering them commissions in exchange for opening new bank accounts or sharing details of their existing ones. Once access to the accounts was obtained, the criminals used them to move money generated through cyber fraud activities.
Large Transactions Routed Through Multiple Accounts
Officials said several of these accounts showed repeated suspicious transactions. Preliminary examination of the financial trails indicates that large sums of money were circulated through different accounts before being transferred further, sometimes to international locations, making it difficult to trace the origin of the funds.
During the investigation, authorities blocked several bank accounts suspected to be linked to the network. Detailed scrutiny of transaction records linked to these accounts is currently underway to identify those responsible for operating the racket and determine how long the network had been active.
Probe Triggered by Multiple Cyber Fraud Complaints
The investigation began after multiple complaints related to cyber fraud were registered. During the probe, four separate cases were recorded, which helped investigators piece together the broader structure of the network. Officials said that in many instances, individuals were misled into believing they were participating in legitimate financial activities, while their bank accounts were actually being used to facilitate cybercrime.
Youth Opened Multiple Accounts for Commission
In one instance, a youth from Belagavi allegedly opened nine different bank accounts and handed them over to cyber operators in exchange for commission payments. Investigators later found that transactions worth around ₹80 lakh had been routed through these accounts. Authorities believe the money could be linked to various cyber fraud cases.
Self-Help Group Account Used in Fraud Transactions
In another case, a person working abroad allegedly opened a bank account in the name of a self-help group through his mother. Investigators later discovered that the account had been used to route fraudulent transactions as part of the cyber network.
Fake Job Offers Used to Recruit Account Holders
Officials also found that cybercriminals approached potential account holders through social media platforms, messaging apps and other online channels. They offered fake work-from-home jobs, online employment opportunities and commission-based schemes, convincing people that they were taking part in legitimate online earning programmes.
Once individuals shared their bank account details, ATM cards or online banking access, the fraudsters used those accounts to transfer money obtained through cyber fraud. Such accounts are commonly referred to as “mule accounts”, which criminals use to disguise the movement of illicit funds and complicate financial investigations.
Investigators Tracing Key Operators
So far, no arrests have been reported in connection with the case. However, investigators are working to identify the key operators behind the network and determine whether the racket has links to other regions in the country or abroad.
Cybercrime experts note that mule bank accounts have become a critical component of organised cyber fraud networks. Instead of receiving money directly, criminals route funds through multiple accounts to obscure their identity and make it harder for investigators to trace the actual perpetrators.
Authorities Warn Citizens Against Sharing Bank Details
Authorities have urged citizens not to share their bank account details, ATM cards or online banking credentials with unknown individuals. People have also been advised to remain cautious of suspicious job offers, commission-based money transfer schemes or requests to use personal bank accounts for financial transactions, and to report such approaches to the appropriate authorities immediately.
