The Central Bureau of Investigation (CBI) has arrested two bank officials for their alleged involvement in opening mule accounts in collusion with organised cyber criminals. These mule accounts were later used to transfer money in large-scale cyber fraud cases.
According to the CBI, the arrests were made during the investigation of a case related to mule accounts used for cybercrime. Based on the analysis of digital devices and other evidence, the agency found sufficient proof against the then Assistant Manager of Canara Bank in Patna and the then Business Development Associate of Axis Bank in Patna.
The investigation revealed that both bank officials played an active role in opening and operationalising mule accounts. They allegedly helped cyber fraudsters use these accounts for illegal fund transfers. The CBI also found evidence that the accused bankers guided the cyber criminals on how to move money and avoid detection. They are accused of advising fraudsters on methods to bypass system-generated red flags and monitoring mechanisms used by banks.
The CBI further stated that evidence has been collected to show that the two bank officials received quid pro quo, or illegal benefits, for assisting the cyber criminals as part of the conspiracy.
It may be recalled that earlier, the CBI had carried out searches at 61 locations across the country in connection with the same case. During that operation, 13 accused were arrested, and charge sheets were recently filed against them under various provisions of the Indian Penal Code (IPC) / Bharatiya Nyaya Sanhita (BNS) and the Prevention of Corruption Act.
The two bank officials were arrested on 24 December 2025 from Varanasi in Uttar Pradesh and Betia in Bihar, respectively. After obtaining transit remand, they are being produced before the concerned jurisdictional courts.
The CBI said that the role of other bank officials who may be linked to the opening and operation of mule accounts is still under investigation. The probe in this case is continuing. More details will be released soon.
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