Pune, 29th July 2026: Police have intensified action against 'mule accounts' after investigations revealed that cyber criminals are using bank accounts belonging to ordinary citizens to route money obtained through online fraud.
More than 100 cases have been registered across various police stations in the city over the past eight days as part of the special drive.
Investigators found that cyber fraud networks operating across multiple states target financially vulnerable people by offering them easy money in exchange for access to their bank accounts. Once they gain control of these accounts, the fraudsters transfer stolen funds through them, making it difficult for investigators to trace the money.
Police have urged citizens not to hand over their bank accounts, ATM cards, passbooks, cheque books, or online banking credentials to strangers under any circumstances. Even if the account holder is not directly involved in the fraud, allowing their account to be used for illegal financial transactions can lead to criminal charges.
Officials said several account holders have already come under police scrutiny after suspicious transactions linked to cyber fraud were detected in their accounts.
Pune Police Commissioner Amitesh Kumar said citizens must remain alert to prevent cyber fraud and avoid falling for offers that involve renting out their bank accounts. He said the police are making effective use of the Central Government's Sahyog Portal, along with advanced cyber forensic facilities, to investigate cases and help victims recover lost money.
The Sahyog Portal has become a key tool in the investigation process by connecting banks, financial institutions, and police forces across the country in real time.
When a cyber fraud complaint is registered through the national helpline 1930, investigators can quickly trace the bank accounts used in the crime and freeze the stolen funds before they are moved to other accounts, significantly improving the chances of recovery.