Kanpur: A case from the Bakarganj area has exposed the evolving face of financial crime, with a delivery boy’s bank account linked to suspicious transactions worth nearly ₹35 crore. The development has alerted investigative agencies, which now suspect the account was being used as a “mule account” to route and layer illicit funds.
A Small Monthly Commission Opened the Door to a ₹35 Crore Shock
The case revolves around Awais, a delivery boy working with an online grocery delivery company. According to initial information, he had opened a current account in a private bank for business purposes, but the venture did not succeed, after which he continued working as a delivery agent. Around nine months ago, he reportedly came into contact with two individuals, Sartaj and Aman, who allegedly lured him into an easy-money arrangement.
The accused allegedly offered him a monthly commission of ₹8,000 to ₹10,000 if he allowed them to use his bank account. Tempted by the offer, Awais handed over his account number, passbook, cheque book, and ATM card. Initially, everything appeared normal as he received regular payments. However, last month he was paid ₹18,000, which raised his suspicion about unusual activity linked to the account.
Following doubts, Awais approached the bank for clarification and was shocked to discover that transactions worth approximately ₹35 crore had been routed through his account. Alarmed, he immediately approached the local police station, triggering a formal investigation into the matter.
Cyber Fraud, Money Laundering or Fake ITC
Based on preliminary interrogation, Sartaj and Aman have been taken into custody. Investigators have sought detailed transaction records from the bank to trace the origin and destination of the funds. Officials suspect that the case may be linked to cyber fraud networks, money laundering operations, or fake Input Tax Credit (ITC) schemes.
Authorities have confirmed that the account was being used as a “mule account,” a mechanism frequently used in financial crimes in which unsuspecting individuals’ bank accounts are used to move illegal funds and obscure their origin. In such setups, criminals typically lure individuals with small commissions while keeping themselves hidden behind layers of transactions.
The Perfect Setup for a Mule Account Scam
Renowned cybercrime expert and former IPS officer Prof. Triveni Singh warned that mule accounts have become a critical tool in modern financial crimes. He noted that criminals rarely operate using their own identities and instead rely on networks of recruited individuals whose accounts are used to route illicit funds.
According to him, victims often remain unaware of the scale of transactions taking place through their accounts. He emphasized that such networks operate in a structured manner, involving multiple layers of handlers, recruiters, and financial operators, making detection increasingly complex.
He further highlighted that identifying the digital trail and reaching the actual masterminds remains one of the biggest challenges for enforcement agencies. He cautioned that even small financial incentives can push individuals into serious legal trouble if they allow their accounts to be misused.
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Experts also point out that mule account usage has significantly increased in recent years, particularly in cyber fraud, online scams, and tax-related financial crimes. Illicit money is often routed through multiple accounts to break the audit trail, making recovery and tracing difficult for investigators.
At present, interrogation of the detained suspects is ongoing, while efforts are underway to identify additional links in the network. Authorities believe that the ₹35 crore figure may only represent a portion of the larger financial operation, and further revelations are likely as the investigation progresses.
The case serves as a strong warning to the public against sharing bank details, ATM cards, or financial instruments with unknown individuals. Officials stress that even minor monetary temptation can result in severe legal consequences and long-term financial complications.
