Karnataka’s Cyber Crime Division (CID) has recently dismantled one of the largest cyber fraud networks in the state’s history, marking a significant milestone in the region’s digital security efforts. Investigators have revealed that the network operated through approximately 40,000 mule bank accounts, which were used to carry out a range of online scams, including phishing attacks and fraudulent digital payments.
On 6 February, multiple CID teams conducted coordinated raids at over 100 locations across Karnataka. The operation led to the arrest of 13 key members of the syndicate. Interrogations revealed that the perpetrators had targeted ordinary citizens—students, daily wage labourers, and unemployed youth—by luring them with promises of easy cash. Victims were persuaded to hand over ATM cards, bank passbooks, and other banking information, which were subsequently brought under the control of the network and exploited for financial gain through online fraud.
A senior CID official stated, “Following an increase in cyber fraud complaints, we identified a large-scale mule account network. The arrested individuals were the principal architects, through whom the stolen funds were routed across multiple accounts.”
In collaboration with several banks, CID has already begun freezing the suspicious accounts and is meticulously verifying electronic devices, call records, and financial transactions recovered during the raids. Cybersecurity experts have emphasised that dismantling such mule account chains is critical to preventing future online fraud and protecting the integrity of digital financial systems.
The CID has issued advisories urging citizens to exercise caution, avoid sharing ATM cards or bank documents, and resist the temptation of small commissions offered in exchange for account access. Authorities consider this operation a crucial step in fortifying Karnataka’s digital financial security. Investigations remain ongoing, with efforts to recover stolen funds and identify additional suspects still underway.
Summary of the CID Operation:
| Category | Details |
|---|---|
| Key Members Arrested | 13 |
| Mule Bank Accounts Identified | 40,000+ |
| Suspicious Accounts Under Review | 42,000+ |
| Raids Conducted | 100+ locations across Karnataka |
| Target Groups | Students, daily wage labourers, unemployed youth |
This operation has been hailed as a landmark achievement in Karnataka’s fight against cybercrime, demonstrating the state’s commitment to securing its digital and financial infrastructure against increasingly sophisticated fraud schemes.