Amit Shah Advocates for Universal Rollout of 'Mule Account Hunter' to Secure Digital Finance
In a decisive move to fortify India's digital financial infrastructure, Union Home Minister Amit Shah on Tuesday emphasized the critical need for the universal adoption of the 'Mule Account Hunter' software. This initiative aims to dismantle the rapidly evolving ecosystem of cyber-enabled frauds that threaten the nation's economic stability.
Significant Recovery and Enforcement Actions Highlighted
Addressing a conference in New Delhi, Shah revealed that India has successfully frozen Rs 8,189 crore out of the Rs 20,000 crore lost to cybercriminals, marking a substantial milestone in victim restitution efforts. He detailed that enforcement agencies have taken robust actions, including cancelling 12 lakh SIM cards, blocking three lakh mobile IMEIs, and arresting 20,853 individuals linked to cybercrimes up to December 2025.
The 'Mule Account Hunter' software, developed as a joint venture by the central government and the Reserve Bank of India, serves as an essential tool for banks. It enables them to identify and eliminate fraudulent accounts that are often used to launder stolen money, thereby enhancing the security of financial transactions.
Digital Transformation Necessitates Aggressive Cybersecurity Stance
Shah underscored that the scale of India's digital transformation has made an aggressive cybersecurity approach imperative. He highlighted that the country records every second digital transaction globally, with 181 billion UPI transactions valued at over Rs 233 trillion in 2024 alone. With 100 crore internet users and 57 crore Jan Dhan accounts, the minister asserted that cybersecurity has evolved from a matter of economic safety to a fundamental pillar of national security.
He pointed out a dramatic shift in internet accessibility, noting that 11 years ago, India had only 250 million internet users, whereas today it has surpassed 1 billion. Broadband connections have increased nearly 16 times and also crossed the one-billion mark. Additionally, the cost of one gigabyte of data has declined by 97%, significantly expanding both internet access and usage across the population.
Under the BharatNet project, connectivity has seen exponential growth. From only 546 village panchayats connected 11 years ago, more than 200,000 village panchayats are now covered, demonstrating the government's commitment to bridging the digital divide.
Integrated Enforcement and Future Goals
The enforcement strategy is anchored by the Indian Cyber Crime Coordination Centre, which links over 795 institutions, including fintechs, NBFCs, and e-commerce platforms. While 62 major banks are already integrated, Shah set a deadline of December 2026 to onboard all financial entities, with a particular focus on cooperative banks. This integration is vital for the 1930 helpline, which Shah identified as a critical tool for victims to report incidents promptly.
He urged police units nationwide to enhance call-handling capacity at these centres, warning that delayed responses often result in the permanent loss of funds for victims. In a related development, Shah inaugurated a cybercrime branch for the CBI and launched the State Cyber Crime Coordination Centre dashboard to address the shifting nature of digital threats more effectively.
Proactive Measures and Public-Private Collaboration Emphasized
Shah emphasized that the state must now remain "two steps ahead" of cybercriminals through real-time reporting, a robust network of forensic laboratories, and the promotion of "cyber hygiene" among the public. He reminded stakeholders that while Prime Minister Narendra Modi has elevated cyber awareness through initiatives like Mann ki Baat, the ultimate goal of achieving a "cyber success society" depends on seamless collaboration between the private and public sectors.
This comprehensive approach underscores India's commitment to safeguarding its digital economy and ensuring a secure environment for all citizens as technology continues to advance.
