Nagpur: Cybercrime investigations in Nagpur are increasingly exposing a vast network of mule bank accounts, with police finding that a single cyber fraud complaint often leads to the discovery of five to six bank accounts used to route stolen money. Investigators say the trend reflects the evolving tactics of cybercriminals, who rely on layers of financial transactions to conceal the trail of fraud proceeds.

In recent weeks, Ranapratap Nagar and Jaripatka police have registered cases against several bank account holders whose accounts were allegedly used by cyber fraudsters to receive and transfer money cheated from victims. According to investigators, these accounts functioned as mule accounts—bank accounts used to temporarily hold and move illegally obtained funds before they are transferred elsewhere.

Police said cybercriminals typically route money through multiple accounts to make tracing difficult. Once the funds are layered across several bank accounts, they are often converted into cryptocurrencies such as Bitcoin or diverted through hawala channels before allegedly being transferred to destinations including Dubai, Myanmar and Cambodia, significantly complicating investigations.

Officials say fraudsters frequently lure people into providing access to their bank accounts by offering easy money. Account holders are reportedly paid between ₹5,000 and ₹10,000, or promised a commission based on the amount routed through their accounts. While some individuals unknowingly become part of these operations, others deliberately rent out their accounts, making themselves liable for criminal action under cybercrime and financial laws.

Deputy Commissioner of Police (Cyber) Deepak Agrawal said awareness remains one of the most effective tools in preventing the misuse of bank accounts. He said the Cyber Police are conducting awareness campaigns through social media and organising mohalla meetings across the city, including in slum areas, to educate citizens about mule accounts and the legal consequences of allowing others to use their bank accounts. He added that the Reserve Bank of India (RBI), along with the state and central governments, is also running public awareness initiatives to help people avoid becoming victims of cyber fraud or unwitting participants in money laundering.