CBI Busts Cyber-Fraud Ring, Arrests Nine in Nationwide Crackdown
The Central Bureau of Investigation (CBI) has arrested nine individuals in connection with a large-scale cyber-fraud operation that involved nearly 85 lakh mule accounts used to launder illicit funds. This unprecedented crackdown resulted from coordinated raids across multiple states, including Maharashtra, Delhi, Uttar Pradesh, Karnataka, and Telangana. The fraud network leveraged these bank accounts to siphon money from foreign-based complicit entities, making detection by financial institutions and regulators extremely challenging.
According to CBI officials, the syndicate used fake identity documents and forged signatures to open and operate hundreds of thousands of bank accounts, which were then used to move money through small-value transactions. This method enabled the criminals to evade automated alerts designed to monitor unusual activity. Investigations into overseas digital payment and crypto platforms revealed that large volumes of money were being routed through these mule accounts before being transferred abroad.
Cyber-Fraud
The syndicate’s modus operandi involved creating a pyramid of several layers—starting from account creation using forged KYC documents, followed by successive transfers designed to mask the original source. Once the money reached foreign wallets, it was withdrawn via cryptocurrency exchanges or converted into foreign currency through hawala channels. The financial fraud is estimated to have a turnover of several hundred crores.
Mule Accounts
Mule accounts are typically controlled by unsuspecting or complicit individuals who lend their identity to criminals. Many admitted they were offered payments ranging from Rs 1,000 to Rs 5,000 per account per month. However, some participants were later coerced or threatened to keep the account active. CBI sources confirmed that while most of the accounts were inactive, they were kept available to facilitate laundering at short notice.
CBI Operation
The agency conducted searches at more than 40 locations in major cities and rural areas, seizing devices like mobiles, laptops, hard drives, and documents. Nine principal accused—identified as organizers and handlers—were arrested and are currently in CBI custody. Investigators have traced a network of at least 15 higher-level handlers believed to be operating from abroad. The CBI plans to issue look-out notices to prevent their escape and has initiated cooperation with global agencies to intercept cross-border transactions.
Regulatory Impact
This operation is expected to have significant implications for banks and financial intermediaries under tightening anti-money laundering (AML) norms. The Financial Intelligence Unit and Reserve Bank of India are expected to review internal clearance systems for opening accounts, especially to detect multiple accounts under similar identities. Banks may be required to implement improved verification processes and monitor inactivity and transaction fragmentation more rigorously.
This case marks one of India’s most successful crackdowns on cyber-enabled money laundering in recent years. The CBI has already begun filing charges related to conspiracy, forgery, cheating, and money laundering under the Indian Penal Code and Prevention of Money Laundering Act. Courts have approved further custody for the arrested, allowing the CBI to continue interrogations and gather digital evidence.
