Durg, Chhattisgarh | In one of the largest operations against the financial infrastructure of cyber criminals in Chhattisgarh, the Durg Police have uncovered 1,242 mule bank accounts allegedly used for online fraud, cyber scams, and illegal online betting. During the extensive crackdown, police arrested 122 accused, including 117 mule account holders and five mule agents, while placing a hold on approximately ₹3 crore of suspected fraudulent funds.
Authorities have also launched an investigation into more than 2,000 additional suspicious bank accounts, indicating that the operation is likely to expand further.
Major Cyber Crime Crackdown
According to Durg Police, the action was carried out following investigations into cyber fraud and online betting cases registered across various police station jurisdictions between January 1 and July 29, 2026.
During the investigation:
- 1,242 mule bank accounts were identified.
- 18 criminal cases were registered.
- 122 accused were arrested.
- The accused were produced before the competent court for further legal proceedings.
- Approximately ₹3 crore in suspected proceeds of crime was frozen by placing a hold on the funds.
Police described the operation as a major blow to the financial networks supporting organized cyber crime.
How Mule Bank Accounts Were Used
Investigators found that the accused used mule bank accounts to receive, conceal, and transfer money generated through various cyber crimes.
The accounts were allegedly linked to offences including:
- Online financial fraud
- Digital arrest scams
- Fake investment schemes
- Share trading fraud
- Online gaming fraud
- Illegal online betting
- Fake customer care scams
According to police, cyber criminals first deposited the fraudulently obtained money into mule accounts before rapidly transferring it through multiple bank accounts in smaller transactions to disguise the origin of the funds.
The money was subsequently withdrawn or transferred using:
- ATM withdrawals
- UPI transactions
- Internet banking
- E-wallets
- Cash withdrawals
This layered transaction process made it difficult for investigators to trace the ultimate beneficiaries of the illegal proceeds.
Victims Lured Through Easy Money Offers
Police revealed that the accused recruited individuals by promising:
- Commission-based earnings
- Easy money
- Employment opportunities
- Rental payments for bank accounts
In many cases, new bank accounts were allegedly opened in the names of individuals, while criminals took control of essential banking tools such as:
- ATM cards
- Cheque books
- Passbooks
- Mobile numbers
- SIM cards
- Internet banking credentials
- UPI access
These accounts were then used to facilitate the movement of illicit funds.
Bank Officials Also Under Investigation
The investigation has also brought the role of certain bank officials and branch managers under scrutiny.
According to Durg Police, investigators are examining whether proper banking procedures were followed during account opening and subsequent transactions.
The inquiry includes verification of:
- Know Your Customer (KYC) compliance
- Account opening procedures
- Monitoring of suspicious transactions
- Compliance with banking regulations
Police stated that if evidence of negligence or involvement by any bank employee emerges, appropriate legal action will be initiated against those responsible.
Digital Evidence Driving the Investigation
Investigators are conducting an extensive forensic analysis of digital and financial records to trace the complete money trail.
The investigation includes examination of:
- Banking transaction records
- KYC documentation
- Mobile phone data
- IP address logs
- UPI transaction history
- Internet banking records
- Other electronic evidence
Based on these findings, police are working to identify additional suspects, mule agents, and other individuals connected to the organized cyber crime network.
Electronic Evidence Seized
During the operation, police seized numerous items believed to be linked to the financial fraud network, including:
- ATM cards
- Cheque books
- Passbooks
- Mobile phones
- SIM cards
- KYC documents
- Bank account-related records
- Other electronic evidence
The seized materials are expected to assist investigators in identifying additional members of the network.
Police Advisory to Citizens
Durg Police has urged the public to remain vigilant and avoid allowing others to use their banking facilities.
Citizens have been advised:
- Never share bank account details with unknown individuals.
- Do not provide ATM cards, cheque books, passbooks, OTPs, UPI credentials, or internet banking access to anyone.
- Do not rent out bank accounts in exchange for commission or financial incentives.
- Immediately report suspicious offers involving bank accounts or digital payment services.
Police warned that knowingly allowing one’s bank account to be used for illegal financial transactions may also attract criminal liability under applicable laws.
Reporting Cyber Crime
Authorities have encouraged citizens to report cyber-related offences immediately through:
- National Cyber Helpline: 1930
- National Cyber Crime Reporting Portal
- Nearest Police Station
Prompt reporting can significantly improve the chances of freezing fraudulent transactions and recovering stolen funds.
Investigation Continues
Durg Police stated that the investigation remains ongoing, with more than 2,000 suspicious bank accounts currently under examination. Officials indicated that additional arrests and legal action are likely as investigators continue to unravel the wider financial network supporting cyber fraud and illegal online betting operations.
Conclusion
The identification of 1,242 mule bank accounts, the arrest of 122 accused, and the freezing of approximately ₹3 crore in suspected fraudulent funds represent one of the most significant cyber crime enforcement actions undertaken by Durg Police. By targeting the financial channels used to move illicit money, authorities aim to dismantle organized cyber crime networks operating across the region.
Police have reaffirmed their commitment to continuing the crackdown on cyber fraud, digital scams, and online betting syndicates, while urging citizens to remain cautious and report suspicious financial activities without delay.
