The Crime Branch has launched a strong statewide action to dismantle the financial channels that support cybercriminal networks. The focus is on mule accounts, which are bank accounts misused to move and hide money earned through online fraud. As part of this crackdown, officials have begun the process to register 3 FIRs, marking a clear effort to hold both cyber offenders and those enabling their operations accountable.
Investigators have already filed 3 cases against individuals and groups accused of renting or managing bank accounts used for illegal transactions. These accounts help disguise fraudulent money trails, making them a key element in the wider structure of cyber enabled financial crime.
The investigation now covers banks and financial institutions as well. Crime Branch teams are checking whether any bank employees played a role, knowingly or unknowingly, in allowing these mule accounts to be opened and operated. The inquiry aims to determine if negligence, weak procedures or direct involvement allowed cybercriminals to misuse the banking system.
Officials said that a strict approach has been adopted toward intermediaries who fail to follow compliance rules. Any bank or digital platform that does not carry out proper KYC checks or fails to monitor suspicious transactions will be reported to the Gujarat Cyber Tribunal. “These formal reports will pave the way for legal and penal action against non compliant entities, reinforcing accountability across the financial ecosystem,” they said.
“Beyond enforcement, the Crime Branch is placing strong emphasis on victim relief. Recognising that failures by intermediaries often open the door for fraud, officials will assist affected citizens in pursuing compensation claims against negligent institutions,” they said. Victims will receive guidance and support to recover their losses through proper legal processes.
Officials have identified more than 34 bank accounts suspected to be mule accounts, and all are under detailed review. The probe has expanded to examine possible involvement of staff from 2 banks who are being checked for negligence or complicity. Along with this, 18 SIM card vendors accused of issuing SIM cards through fraudulent means are also under investigation.
A deeper analysis of financial and digital records is now in progress to map the wider network associated with these accounts and identify more people connected to the chain.
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