Cyber Command unit cracks down on mule herders network, uncovers 42,000 mule accounts

The Karnataka Cyber Command Unit (CCU) launched a massive Statewide crackdown on an organised network of “mule herders” suspected of aggregating more than 42,000 mule bank accounts used for illegal financial activities.

As part of the operation, simultaneous raids were carried out across more than 29 districts at multiple locations in the State on February 5 and 6. So far, 17 FIRs have been registered. During the raids, the police seized 25 ATM cards, 13 cheque books, 12 mobile phones and other incriminating material. The senior officer said the raids were continuing, and further FIRs and arrests were likely over the next two days.

The mule herders are the foot soldiers who work for cybercrime masterminds and accumulate bank accounts to aid cybercrimes. The mule accounts gathered by these herders will be used to form a conduit to transfer the ill-gotten money.

“The mule herders collected personal identity documents and banking details from several unsuspecting individuals to create mule accounts. In many cases, individuals were paid between ₹10,000 and ₹20,000 in exchange for access to their bank accounts,” the officer said.

The accounts accumulated by the fraudsters were then allegedly retailed or contracted out to other cybercriminals for use in committing cyber frauds.

The police said the mule accounts were used to facilitate a range of illegal activities, including online scams, illegal betting operations and “digital arrest” scams.

“Many account holders were unaware that their banking details were being misused for fraudulent money transfers, leaving them exposed to serious legal and financial consequences,” the officer said.

Another officer, part of the CCU, explained that they used the NCRP portal to identify mule accounts, sorted them based on the number of cases, and then all the files were given to investigators to gather accused details. Further specific accused were targeted and arrested.