CBI Raids 7 States, Arrests 3 People for Running Bank Accounts Used in Cyber Frauds

The Central Bureau of Investigation (CBI) is continuing its major crackdown on cybercrime through Operation Chakra-V. On July 16, 2025, the agency carried out raids in seven states—Delhi, Bihar, Madhya Pradesh, Kerala, Punjab, Andhra Pradesh, and Rajasthan—to target fake or “mule” bank accounts being used by cyber fraud gangs.

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.

During these searches, the CBI found and seized a large amount of evidence, including:

• Mobile phones
• Fake and real bank documents
• Account opening forms
• Transaction records
• KYC (Know Your Customer) papers

A mule account is a bank account used by cybercriminals to receive, move, or hide stolen money. These accounts are often opened by people who allow their accounts to be used for a fee, or by using fake identities.

In this case, bank employees and middlemen knowingly helped criminals open such accounts and allowed them to be used for illegal money transfers.

CBI Registers Case Against 37 People

Based on specific information, the CBI had earlier registered a case on June 25, 2025, against 37 people, including people who opened mule accounts, Middlemen or agents and Bank staff. These individuals are accused of working together with cybercriminals to run a fraud network.

Earlier on June 26 and 27, the CBI had conducted raids at 40 locations across India and had arrested 10 people. This week’s action is part of a follow-up operation based on new information.

The mule bank accounts were used for handling money gained from:

• Digital arrest scams
• Impersonation frauds (pretending to be government officers, police, etc.)
• Fake investment schemes
• Fraudulent online ads and other types of cybercrime

CBI’s Strategy to Fight Cybercrime: Three Pillars

The CBI has identified three key areas (pillars) that support cybercrime and is now focused on destroying them:

1. Financial Infrastructure
   • Mule bank accounts
   • Illegal payment systems
   • Fintech apps misused by fraudsters
2. Telecom and Communication Infrastructure
   • Fraudulent SIM cards
   • PoS agents who activate SIMs without proper verification
   • Fake SIM supply networks
3. Human Network (Cyber Slavery)
   • Organized criminal groups
   • People recruited or forced to carry out cybercrimes, sometimes outside India

The three people arrested during this raid will be presented in court soon. The investigation is still going on, and more arrests and actions may follow.