Kishangarh: A major cybercrime network has been exposed under the “Mule Hunter Campaign” in the Bandarsindri police jurisdiction, revealing the extensive use of bank accounts in large-scale online frauds across India.
Nationwide Links Traced to Multi-Crore Scam
Investigations have found that 16 complaints registered on the national cyber helpline 1930 and the cybercrime portal across multiple states are linked to accounts associated with the network. These complaints collectively point to fraudulent transactions worth approximately ₹19 crore. Of this, nearly ₹6.51 crore was routed through the suspicious accounts during December 2025 alone, while around ₹26.83 lakh has been directly traced to disputed transactions.
The case initially surfaced after the arrest of an accused identified as Kuldeep, who during interrogation revealed that he had been providing his bank accounts to cyber fraud operators in exchange for a 2% commission. The money, according to the disclosure, was continuously layered and circulated through multiple accounts within the network to obscure its origin.
Arrest of Key Account Supplier and Social Media Baiting
Acting on further investigation, police arrested a youth identified as Rahul Dholpuria. He has been accused of supplying bank accounts to cybercriminal groups and being actively involved in a wider fraud ecosystem. Authorities allege that the accused and his associates used social media platforms to lure victims under the pretext of part-time jobs, investment opportunities, and trading schemes.
Victims were reportedly induced to transfer money under various fabricated charges such as service fees, GST, and withdrawal processing fees. Once collected, the funds were diverted through multiple accounts to facilitate layering and concealment of the proceeds of crime.
The Critical Role of Mule Networks in Money Laundering
A case has been registered against the accused under relevant provisions of the Bharatiya Nyaya Sanhita and the Information Technology Act. Officials stated that the investigation is ongoing and efforts are being made to identify additional members of the network.
Cybersecurity experts have highlighted that mule account networks represent one of the most dangerous components of modern cyber fraud operations. According to cyber crime expert and former IPS officer Prof. Triveni Singh, such networks play a crucial role in rapidly dispersing stolen funds across multiple layers, making detection and recovery extremely difficult. He further noted that cybercriminals are increasingly using social engineering tactics, fake investment schemes, and digital arrest scams to target unsuspecting individuals.
Digital Trails and Rapid Fund Layering
Investigators are now expanding their probe to trace additional bank accounts and digital transactions connected to the case. Officials believe that more arrests and revelations are likely as the financial trail is analyzed in greater detail.
The case highlights the growing prevalence of mule account-based cybercrime networks in India, where individuals are often lured by small commissions into facilitating large-scale financial fraud. These networks not only enable cybercrime but also disrupt the integrity of the banking system by exploiting gaps in account verification and monitoring mechanisms.
Preliminary findings suggest that the syndicate operated through messaging platforms such as WhatsApp and Telegram, where fake job offers, investment groups, and trading communities were used as bait to attract victims.
Once funds were deposited into mule accounts, they were quickly transferred through multiple layers of transactions. In several instances, attempts were made to convert the proceeds into digital assets or move them through complex financial routes to evade detection by enforcement agencies.
Authorities have urged citizens to remain cautious of unsolicited job offers, investment schemes promising unusually high returns, and online requests involving upfront charges. Individuals have also been advised to report suspicious activities immediately through official cybercrime channels.
Police officials stated that the investigation into the wider network is ongoing, and more individuals connected to the syndicate are expected to be identified in the coming days.
This case reflects the evolving nature of cyber fraud in which criminals are increasingly relying on banking systems and digital platforms rather than traditional methods. Experts warn that unless mule account networks are effectively curbed, cyber fraud incidents may continue to rise, posing a serious threat to financial security and undermining trust in digital banking systems across the country.
