New Delhi: A major cybercrime network has come under investigation in Uttar Pradesh’s capital, Lucknow, after authorities identified more than 5,000 suspected mule bank accounts allegedly used to facilitate cyber fraud transactions. According to police, the Cyber Crime Cell has received nearly 3,000 complaints linked to the network. Preliminary findings suggest that more than ₹150 crore in suspected illicit funds may have been routed through these accounts as part of various cybercrime operations. A detailed report has been submitted to the police headquarters, and investigators are conducting an extensive examination of financial transactions, banking records and digital evidence.
According to investigators, cybercriminals avoid using their own bank accounts and instead rely on accounts opened or controlled in the names of unsuspecting individuals. The probe indicates that some youths were allegedly lured with promises of easy money and persuaded to hand over access to their bank accounts, ATM cards, cheque books, passbooks, mobile numbers and internet banking credentials. In return, they were allegedly offered commissions ranging from 5% to 25% of the fraud proceeds. Investigators believe that once the money reached these accounts, it was quickly transferred through multiple banking channels, making it more difficult to trace the actual perpetrators.
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Police said the investigation has also revealed that elderly individuals were allegedly targeted through similar tactics. According to investigators, fraudsters reportedly persuaded senior citizens to open bank accounts on the pretext of providing assistance or facilitating government benefits, after which they allegedly retained control of the banking documents. These accounts were then allegedly used to route proceeds of cyber fraud. In several cases, the account holders reportedly became aware of the misuse only after suspicious transactions involving substantial sums had already taken place.
Experts describe mule accounts as bank accounts that are controlled or exploited by cybercriminals to transfer illegally obtained funds while concealing the identities of the actual offenders. Investigators said fraudsters frequently lure people with promises of jobs, part-time income, loans, investment opportunities or commissions in exchange for access to their banking facilities. Such accounts are commonly used to move money generated through investment scams, digital arrest frauds, fake trading platforms, e-commerce fraud and other cyber-enabled financial crimes.
The investigation has also found that social media platforms are allegedly being used to recruit account holders. Posts carrying messages such as “Bank Account on Rent” and “Earn Money with Your Bank Account” are reportedly being circulated on Facebook, Instagram, Telegram and other online platforms. Investigators believe these advertisements primarily target unemployed and rural youths, offering a few thousand rupees in exchange for access to their bank accounts. Police have cautioned that individuals who knowingly provide their accounts for such activities may also face legal consequences because their accounts are allegedly used to process proceeds of crime.
Renowned cybercrime expert and former IPS officer Prof. Triveni Singh said mule bank accounts have become one of the most critical components of organised cybercrime. He noted that criminals involved in investment frauds, digital arrest scams and other social engineering offences rarely use their own bank accounts, preferring instead to route money through accounts controlled by third parties. He advised the public never to share bank accounts, ATM cards, cheque books, passbooks, SIM cards, internet banking credentials or OTPs with anyone. He also urged banks to strengthen real-time transaction monitoring, risk-based analytics and prompt reporting mechanisms to detect and disrupt such networks at an early stage.
The investigation remains ongoing. Police, the Cyber Crime Cell and banking institutions are jointly analysing suspicious accounts, financial trails and digital evidence to identify the individuals behind the alleged network. Authorities said that if additional mule accounts, organised groups or interstate links emerge during the investigation, appropriate legal action will be taken in accordance with the law.
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.
