BENGALURU: The Criminal Investigation Department (CID) has busted a major cybercrime racket involving 40,000 mule accounts and arrested 13 masterminds. The operation was carried out simultaneously across 100 locations in the state on February 6.
The CID found that innocent people’s bank accounts, ATM cards and account details were being collected and sold to cybercriminals, who used them to commit online frauds and ATM withdrawals. The account holders were unaware of the transactions. The investigation revealed that the mule accounts were being used for various cybercrimes, including digital arrest scams and delivery frauds.
The CID had been tracking mule accounts and had detected a large network involved in supplying these accounts to cybercriminals. The masterminds would collect account details from innocent people by offering them money, and then sell these accounts to cybercriminals. The cybercriminals would use these accounts to commit online fraud and withdraw money from ATMs.
Director General of Police Pronab Mohanty said that the CID had seized account details and was investigating the racket. He warned people to be cautious and not share their account details with anyone. He also advised to report any suspicious transactions to the authorities immediately.
The operation was led by DGP Pranab Mohanty and SP Sharath, and was carried out by the Cyber Command Centre. The CID is continuing its investigation and expects to make more arrests.
Key highlights:
- 13 masterminds arrested
- Over 40,000 mule accounts detected
- Simultaneous raids across 100 locations in Karnataka
- Innocent people’s account details being sold to cybercriminals
- Accounts used for online fraud and ATM withdrawals
- Investigation ongoing
- Cyber Command Centre to remain active to tackle cybercrime
- People advised to be cautious and report suspicious transactions.
