Police in Rajasthan’s Jodhpur have busted an organised cyber fraud network allegedly involved in routing illicit money through mule bank accounts, arresting three accused in connection with the case. Preliminary investigations have revealed that transactions worth around ₹21 lakh were carried out through these accounts, while the network is linked to nearly 80 cyber fraud complaints registered across multiple states.
The action was carried out as part of a special cybercrime enforcement drive. Investigators received intelligence inputs regarding suspicious bank accounts through the Indian Cyber Crime Coordination Centre (I4C) under the Union Ministry of Home Affairs. Acting on this information, the Ratanada police station initiated a probe that eventually led to the exposure of the mule account network.
During the investigation, it emerged that the accused were operating fake or rented bank accounts, commonly referred to as mule accounts. These accounts were allegedly used in a range of online gaming, investment and digital fraud cases, where victims were lured into transferring money under false pretences.
According to the police, once the defrauded amount was credited into these accounts, the accused would withdraw cash using ATM cards. Nearly 10 per cent of the amount was retained as commission, while the remaining funds were transferred to other members of the cyber fraud syndicate through cryptocurrency platforms such as USDT and Binance. This layered process was allegedly designed to complicate the banking trail and evade detection.
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Investigators have so far identified 20 bank accounts linked to the three arrested accused, through which transactions totalling approximately ₹21 lakh were conducted. However, officials noted that cyber complaints associated with these accounts across different states point to a much larger fraud exposure, estimated at nearly ₹45 crore, indicating the scale and reach of the network.
The three arrested individuals, all believed to be young men from different localities, were not found to be in direct contact with victims, police said. Instead, they allegedly functioned as account providers and cash-out channels, facilitating the movement and withdrawal of fraud proceeds. Agencies are now focusing on identifying the main handlers and masterminds operating behind the scenes.
Officials said mule account fraud has emerged as one of the most common methods used in organised cybercrime. In many cases, unemployed youth, students or financially vulnerable individuals are tempted with promises of easy money and persuaded to open new bank accounts or hand over existing ones for “temporary use”. These accounts are then exploited for cyber scams, fake investment schemes, online gaming frauds and so-called digital arrest scams.
Police have warned that allowing one’s bank account to be used in such activities constitutes a serious criminal offence. Citizens have been advised not to share bank account details, ATM cards, cheque books or OTPs, and not to rent out accounts under any circumstances, as account holders can also face legal liability and prosecution.
Investigating agencies are now analysing linked mobile numbers, additional bank accounts, crypto wallets and digital transaction trails associated with the network. Officials said further arrests are likely, as the syndicate appears to have operated across multiple states using a decentralised structure.
The case once again highlights how cyber fraud in India has evolved beyond isolated technical offences into a form of organised financial crime, exploiting banking infrastructure and digital platforms to move and launder money at scale.
About the author – Ayesha Aayat is a law student and contributor covering cybercrime, online frauds, and digital safety concerns. Her writing aims to raise awareness about evolving cyber threats and legal responses.
