8.5 Lakh Mule Accounts in Over 700 Bank Branches, CBI Raids 42 Places in 5 States

The Central Bureau of Investigation (CBI) has started a major crackdown on cybercrime by conducting searches at 42 locations across India. These raids are part of Operation Chakra-V, a mission to stop digital frauds and scams involving fake bank accounts, also known as “mule accounts”.

The CBI carried out the raids in five states — Rajasthan, Delhi, Haryana, Uttarakhand, and Uttar Pradesh — on the basis of verified information.

What Are Mule Accounts?

Mule accounts are fake or misused bank accounts that are created to receive and transfer money collected through cyber fraud. These accounts are often opened using fake documents or by tricking people into giving their ID proof. Cybercriminals use them for scams such as:

• Online frauds
• Fake investment schemes
• Impersonation (pretending to be someone else)
• UPI-related fraud
• “Digital arrest” scams, where victims are threatened to pay money

Who Helps in Creating These Accounts?

The CBI found that some bank officials, agents, middlemen, and e-Mitra operators helped criminals open these mule accounts. They either ignored the bank rules or actively assisted in creating accounts without proper checks. In some cases, bank staff failed to carry out necessary verifications like:

• Proper KYC (Know Your Customer)
• Risk assessments
• Verifying addresses by sending confirmation letters

8.5 Lakh Mule Accounts in Over 700 Bank Branches

During the investigation, CBI found that over 8.5 lakh mule accounts were opened in more than 700 branches of different banks across India. Many of these accounts were opened without following proper guidelines and were used to move money stolen through cyber scams.

CBI Registers FIR Against Fraudsters and Bank Staff

The CBI has registered a formal case (FIR) for crimes such as:

• Cheating
• Forgery
• Using fake documents
• Criminal conspiracy
  They have also charged some bank officials under the Prevention of Corruption Act for their misuse of power and helping fraudsters.

What Was Found During the Raids?

During the searches, the CBI seized important evidence including:

• Mobile phones
• Fake account documents
• KYC papers
• Details of suspicious bank transactions

The CBI has also identified the people who acted as middlemen and helped open these accounts.

So far, 9 people have been arrested. These include:

• Middlemen
• Bank agents
• Account holders
• Bank correspondents
  All of them were involved in helping open and run the fake bank accounts.

Government’s Strong Message Against Cyber Crime

The CBI said this action shows the Government of India’s commitment to fighting cybercrimes strictly. The focus is not just on arresting individuals, but also on breaking the network and systems that support such frauds.

All 9 arrested people have been taken to court, and the investigation is still ongoing.

More details will be released soon.