Hyderabad trio arrested for operating mule account racket targeting cyber fraud victims

Police in Hyderabad have arrested three individuals accused of playing a key role in a sophisticated cyber fraud operation that resulted in losses exceeding ₹10.05 crore. The accused allegedly supplied 83 mule accounts—dormant bank accounts used to route illicit funds—to two coordinating fraudsters who orchestrated the scheme.

Investigators said the arrested trio provided comprehensive account kits containing passbooks, ATM cards, linked mobile SIM cards, and supporting documentation to the primary operators. These complete packages enabled the fraudsters to swiftly move stolen money through multiple accounts, complicating law enforcement's ability to trace the funds.

Mule account networks are a critical component of organized cyber fraud operations, allowing criminals to distance themselves from stolen money and complicate investigations. The accounts are typically obtained from individuals willing to lend their banking credentials, often without fully understanding the criminal purpose.

The arrests represent one of several ongoing crackdowns on cyber fraud infrastructure in the Hyderabad region. Authorities continue investigating the broader network involved in the scam to identify additional accused and recover stolen funds.