New Delhi: To effectively curb the rising cases of cyber fraud, the Madhya Pradesh Cyber Police Headquarters has begun preparations for strict action against mule (rented) bank accounts and their holders. In the first phase, 800 mule accounts have been identified into which fraud proceeds were first transferred. Police believe that tracing these accounts will help expose the entire cybercrime network operating behind such frauds.
On the directions of the cyber police headquarters, district police units across the state are carrying out a detailed profile analysis of these accounts and their holders. Investigators are examining the precise role of each account holder—whether the account was knowingly handed over to fraudsters, sold or rented out, or whether criminals misused personal documents to open accounts without the holder’s informed consent.
Three Lakh Mule Accounts Identified, Phased Investigation Underway
According to police officials, nearly 300,000 mule accounts have been detected across the state so far. All these accounts will be examined in a phased manner. The objective is to take firm action against those involved in organised cybercrime while ensuring that innocent individuals are not unnecessarily harassed. The statewide campaign has been named ‘Operation Matrix’.
As part of the probe, investigators are analysing banking transactions, KYC documents, mobile numbers, IP addresses and complete digital trails. Police officials say mule accounts form the backbone of cyber fraud operations, as stolen money is routed through multiple layers using these accounts to obscure its origin.
CPT Assessment: Curbing Mule Accounts Key to Controlling Cyber Fraud
According to an assessment by the Center for Police Technology (CPT), most organised cyber fraud cases in India involve the planned and multi-layered use of mule accounts.
CPT notes that mule accounts are not merely temporary repositories for illicit funds, but have become tools to conceal entire cybercrime networks and blur money trails. Unless the human network behind these accounts—account holders, intermediaries and coordinators—is clearly identified and held accountable, effective and long-term control over cyber fraud remains difficult. It is in line with this approach that the Madhya Pradesh Cyber Police is now moving to fix responsibility on mule account holders.
₹450 Crore Lost to Cyber Fraud This Year
Data indicate that around ₹450 crore has been siphoned off from residents of Madhya Pradesh through cyber fraud in 2025 so far. The bank accounts used in these crimes were not confined to the state alone—several were linked to other states, and in some cases, even to overseas locations.
According to cyber police officials, fraud models such as digital arrest scams, fake investment schemes, customer care fraud and sextortion have been prominent this year, with mule accounts playing a central role in routing stolen funds.
After ‘Operation Fast’, Focus Shifts to ‘Operation Matrix’
Earlier, the cyber police had launched ‘Operation Fast’ against sellers of fake SIM cards. Under that drive, 3,824 SIM vendors were identified, and after questioning, 50 FIRs were registered.
That investigation revealed that fake SIM cards were being widely used to open mule bank accounts. In addition, questioning of economic offence accused arrested by the STF and other agencies also confirmed the existence of organised mule account networks—prompting the launch of Operation Matrix.
What Is a Mule Account
A mule account is a bank account used to receive and transfer proceeds of fraud. Such accounts are typically:
- Opened using fake or incomplete documents
- Created by misleading individuals and misusing their identity documents
- Or voluntarily provided by account holders to fraudsters due to financial inducement or ignorance
Police officials say that in many cases, account holders initially claim innocence. However, if investigations establish involvement or wilful negligence, strict legal action will follow.
Clear Warning
The Madhya Pradesh Cyber Police has made it clear that effective control over cyber fraud is impossible without cracking down on mule accounts. Through Operation Matrix, the objective is not merely to freeze accounts, but to dismantle the entire cybercrime ecosystem, ensuring that the flow of fraudulent money is blocked at the very first stage.
