Bengaluru, February 23: A decision taken in the name of friendship has pushed an engineering student into legal trouble after his bank account was allegedly used for suspicious online transactions worth nearly ₹7 crore. The bank has frozen the account and cyber police have registered a case under cheating, IT Act and criminal conspiracy provisions, launching a detailed probe.
According to police, the student, enrolled in a reputed engineering college in the city, had been in contact with a youth identified as Ayush for nearly a year. In November 2025, Ayush reportedly told him that his own bank account had been blocked due to insufficient balance and requested temporary use of the student’s account.
Certified Cyber Crime Investigator Course Launched by Centre for Police Technology
Banking access, SIM and documents shared
As per the complaint, the student, without suspecting foul play, shared his Karnataka Gramin Bank net banking user ID and password, an Airtel SIM linked to the ATM, and certain KYC documents. These were allegedly sent by post, and their receipt was confirmed over WhatsApp.
Preliminary investigation revealed that the account was subsequently used for multiple online transfers routed to different bank accounts, with the total transaction value touching around ₹7 crore. Police suspect the funds may be linked to various cyber fraud cases and that the account was used as a “mule account.”
Bank alert exposed the transactions
The matter came to light when bank officials contacted the student regarding unusually large and irregular transactions. Suspecting cyber fraud, the bank immediately blocked the account. Realising the gravity of the situation, the student approached the North Division Cyber Police Station and filed a complaint.
Police have booked Ayush and other unidentified persons and begun tracking the digital trail. Investigators are examining whether the money was withdrawn in cash, moved through layered accounts, converted into cryptocurrency, or transferred to overseas destinations.
Possible link to organised cyber network
Sources said cybercriminal groups often use bank accounts of individuals who are unaware of the larger conspiracy. Such accounts are known as mule accounts and are used to quickly route fraudulent money through multiple layers, making detection difficult.
Investigators are now probing whether the student’s account was part of a larger cyber fraud network and whether other students or young account holders were similarly targeted.
Expert warning on sharing banking credentials
Cybersecurity experts cautioned that sharing banking credentials, OTPs, SIM cards or net banking access with anyone poses a serious risk. Once control of an account is handed over, the legal responsibility for all transactions rests with the account holder, even if they were not directly involved in the fraud.
Police have urged students and young users not to share banking details under the pretext of friendship, job offers or investment opportunities. In case of suspicious activity, citizens have been advised to immediately contact the 1930 cyber helpline or report the matter at the nearest cyber police station.
Rising trend of mule account misuse
Officials noted a growing trend where young individuals unknowingly provide bank access to cyber syndicates. Fraudsters build trust through social media and messaging platforms, collect documents and credentials, and then use the accounts to route crores of rupees from online scams.
Technical evidence is being collected and transaction details have been sought from multiple banks. The case once again highlights how a single lapse in digital banking security can lead to serious financial and legal consequences in an increasingly technology-driven fraud landscape.
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.
