Ludhiana Cyber Police Uncover 1,300 Mule Accounts in Major Financial Fraud Probe
The cybercrime police in Ludhiana are currently untangling a massive and intricate web of digital fraud following the discovery of 1,300 "mule accounts" that were opened within the city. These accounts have been utilized to facilitate extensive financial crimes across various regions of India, marking a significant escalation in cybercriminal activities targeting the banking sector.
National Cyber Crime Portal Flags Suspicious Accounts
The National Cyber Crime Reporting Portal (NCRP) recently flagged the comprehensive list of these accounts to the Ludhiana police commissionerate. This alert has sparked a deep-dive investigation aimed at uncovering the identities of the account holders and the masterminds orchestrating these illicit operations. Authorities are meticulously analyzing the data to trace the origins and connections of this fraudulent network.
The 'Mule' Trap: Exploiting Vulnerable Populations
Additional Deputy Commissioner of Police (ADCP Headquarters) Vaibhav Sehgal has confirmed that all 1,300 accounts were registered at bank branches located in Ludhiana. Cybercriminals typically avoid using their own identities by recruiting "mules" to act as intermediaries for illegal transactions. ADCP Sehgal emphasized that the recruitment process specifically targets the city's most vulnerable residents, including labourers, daily wagers, and students—often those facing severe financial hardship.
For a nominal fee, sometimes as low as ₹500, these individuals are persuaded to open bank accounts and surrender their KYC documents, ATM cards, and net banking credentials. While the account holders receive minimal compensation, the accounts are exploited to move millions of rupees, providing criminals with a critical layer of anonymity. Sehgal stated: "We are currently collecting KYC details, email IDs, and bank statements for every account on this list. Once we have the full picture, we will track down every individual involved."
A ₹78-Crore Precedent from Khanna Police Operation
The scale of the Ludhiana investigation follows a major breakthrough by the neighbouring Khanna police, who recently arrested nine members of a syndicate allegedly involved in siphoning ₹78 crore through similar mule accounts. The Khanna operation, led by SSP Darpan Ahluwalia, exposed a sophisticated hierarchy that extended from local "mule herders" to handlers based in Dubai.
In that case, account holders were paid ₹500 to open accounts but were promised commissions ranging from ₹15,000 to ₹20,000 for each fraudulent transaction processed. This precedent highlights the lucrative nature of such schemes and the extensive networks that cybercriminals establish to evade detection.
Legal Repercussions for Account Holders
The Ludhiana police have already registered a formal case under charges of cheating and criminal conspiracy. Officials have issued a stern warning that even if an account holder claims ignorance of the fraud, they remain legally liable for all transactions conducted in their name. A senior official noted: "Many only realize they are in trouble when they receive notices from the income tax department or the police," citing a recent incident where a college student was flagged after high-value transactions appeared on his banking record.
This investigation underscores the growing threat of cyber fraud in India and the urgent need for enhanced vigilance and regulatory measures to protect vulnerable populations from exploitation.
