Police tighten vigil on mule accounts used in cyber fraud
Police have intensified efforts to curb the use of mule bank accounts, which investigators say are increasingly being exploited by cybercriminals to move and mask illegally obtained funds.
A mule account is typically opened in the name of one person but operated by another, often to channel proceeds of online scams. Officials say these accounts have become central to cyber fraud, enabling offenders to rapidly transfer money and blur transaction trails.
“Funds siphoned from victims are rarely sent directly to the perpetrators. They are routed through multiple mule accounts, sometimes 10 to 20, before being transferred overseas,” a senior cybercrime officer said. “Such layering makes tracking and recovery far more difficult.”
Despite enhanced monitoring and public awareness campaigns, cybercrime cases continue to rise, police said. The transnational character of many offences adds to the complexity, with fraud committed locally but suspects operating from foreign locations.
Stressing the need for swift reporting, officials said early complaints allow authorities to intervene. “If victims approach us immediately, we can trace the recipient accounts and request banks to freeze the funds,” the officer said. “Delays often give criminals enough time to move the money beyond recovery.”
An examination of accounts linked to recent complaints has shown that most recipient accounts were mule accounts. In several instances, the registered holders were not directly involved in the fraud.
“Investigations indicate that some individuals, lured by commissions, share account details or hand over passbooks and debit cards to intermediaries,” the officer added. “Many are unaware that they may be facilitating serious financial crimes.”
Arrests and cases
With fraud involving mule accounts on the rise, police have registered cases against both agents supplying such accounts and the account holders. Nearly 400 persons connected to mule account networks have been arrested over the past year, officials said.
Public advisory
Police have cautioned citizens against lending their bank accounts for financial incentives. “People should not fall prey to offers promising easy money in exchange for account access,” the officer said. “Providing such access can lead to criminal charges and imprisonment.”
Authorities urged the public to alert the police if approached with proposals to open or share bank accounts for commissions.
Targeting vulnerable sections
According to investigators, agents often target financially vulnerable individuals, persuading them to open accounts or surrender banking credentials. These accounts are then used by cybercriminals to route fraudulent transactions.
Police said curbing the supply of mule accounts would significantly strengthen efforts to identify offenders and dismantle organised cybercrime networks.