Hyderabad Police Arrest Over 200 People in Mule Bank Account Crackdown

The City Cybercrime police in Hyderabad have arrested more than 200 mule account holders over a five-month period leading up to June 29, 2026, as part of an intensified crackdown on cyber fraud networks.

The arrests, which included more than 10 women, highlight a growing trend of fraudsters using social media platforms to recruit individuals for illegal financial activities.

According to authorities, cyber criminals are adopting new tactics to recruit mule bank accounts. They target unsuspecting individuals by offering attractive commissions for both current and savings accounts. This method allows the fraudsters to conceal their true identities while trapping citizens in illegal networks.

In response to the growing menace, the Hyderabad police have stepped up their surveillance of major social media platforms, including Instagram, Facebook, X, and WhatsApp, where advertisements for the purchase of bank accounts are regularly posted. Cybercrime authorities are actively tracking these advertisements, registering cases against those involved, and initiating measures to freeze or deactivate suspicious accounts.

Despite these intensified efforts, law enforcement agencies have struggled to curb the misuse of mule accounts. Previous attempts to address the issue, such as holding meetings with bankers, making appeals to the Reserve Bank of India, and taking legal action against negligent bank employees, have failed to produce the desired results.

Furthermore, investigators have identified the involvement of several bank employees, including branch managers, in the opening and operation of these fraudulent accounts. Cases were recently registered against some bank officials, and investigations into their involvement are ongoing.

Law enforcement officials have urged citizens to remain wary of unsolicited offers promising quick financial rewards in exchange for banking credentials. They reminded the public that lending a bank account is a serious criminal offence that can lead to permanent blacklisting and severe legal consequences.