Raipur has once again emerged as a key node in a widening cyber fraud investigation after it was revealed that 49 mule bank accounts were allegedly used to channel proceeds of online scams and illegal betting operations.
According to officials, more than ₹36 lakh linked to cyber fraud cases across different parts of the country was transferred into these accounts before being withdrawn.
The case came to light after complaints were registered on the national cybercrime coordination portal operated under the Ministry of Home Affairs. The complaints indicated that victims from multiple states had been defrauded in online scams, and the illegally obtained funds were later routed into accounts opened in Raipur, primarily within Bank of Baroda.
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Mule Accounts Under Probe
Police sources said that the 49 accounts were opened under different names but were being operated as “mule accounts,” a term used for bank accounts that are used to receive and transfer illicit funds on behalf of cybercriminal networks. These accounts were allegedly used between January 2024 and June 2025.
According to investigators, once the money was deposited into these accounts, it was quickly withdrawn or transferred further, making it difficult to trace the original beneficiaries of the fraud. The transactions are now being mapped through banking records and digital footprints.
Officials confirmed that a total of ₹36,48,280 was identified as part of the suspected fraud network. The funds are believed to have originated from multiple cybercrime cases, including online scams and illegal betting operations linked to cricket gambling platforms.
Banking Lapses Questioned
Following a complaint from the cybercrime coordination unit, the Civil Lines police registered a case against the account holders. However, authorities have not yet been able to trace many of the individuals linked to these accounts, raising concerns about identity verification failures during account opening procedures.
Investigators are also examining whether bank officials played any role in the opening of such a large number of mule accounts within a single branch network. Questions have been raised about lapses in Know Your Customer (KYC) verification and whether due diligence norms were properly followed.
Officials noted that the delay in registering the First Information Report (FIR) has also affected the pace of the investigation. The cybercrime unit had reportedly sent a formal communication seeking action in November 2025, but the FIR was registered several months later, potentially allowing critical evidence trails to weaken.
Wider Network Suspected
Cybercrime experts believe that mule account networks are increasingly being used by organised fraud syndicates to launder money obtained through phishing, investment scams, fake customer care frauds, and online betting rackets. Once the money is distributed across multiple accounts, it becomes extremely difficult to recover.
Authorities are now working to identify the masterminds behind the network and trace the flow of funds beyond the initial layer of accounts. Digital transaction analysis and call detail records are also being examined to identify coordination between account holders and fraud operators.
Police officials said that further investigation is underway to determine whether this network is linked to larger interstate cybercrime syndicates operating across India. The role of intermediaries who may have facilitated account openings is also under scrutiny.
The case has raised serious concerns about banking security systems and the effectiveness of fraud detection mechanisms. Experts say that stricter monitoring of suspicious transactions and real-time alerts could help prevent such large-scale misuse of bank accounts.
Authorities have assured that action will be taken against all individuals found involved in the network. Further updates are expected as forensic financial analysis and account tracing operations continue.
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.
