Probe also uncovered an international angle — with some local youth lured to countries like Myanmar, Vietnam, Thailand, and the Philippines
Srinagar: The Jammu and Kashmir Cyber Police have uncovered a vast network of cyber fraud involving the creation of 7,200 mule bank accounts across Kashmir since the start of 2025. These accounts were used to launder large sums of money through fake investment platforms and online betting scams. So far, 21 individuals have been arrested in connection with the case.
Srinagar’s Senior Superintendent of Police (SSP), Imtiyaz Hussain, said the racket was discovered during recent investigations. The accounts, rented out via Telegram and Facebook and often active for only a few days, were primarily used to funnel stolen funds through cryptocurrency and other complex layering methods.
“These are mule accounts — accounts opened by individuals for cyber criminals in exchange for a small commission. Victims’ money is transferred to these accounts and quickly withdrawn or redirected,” said SSP Hussain.
The police investigation revealed that these fraudulent accounts are spread throughout Kashmir and parts of Jammu, with many becoming hotspots for such activity. Fraudsters reportedly contact locals to open bank accounts that are later used for a short time before being abandoned.
Hussain confirmed that while 7,200 accounts have been identified, the actual number may be higher. “We’ve filed four FIRs so far and arrested 21 persons, 19 of whom are from Srinagar. All those involved will be interrogated and held accountable,” he added.
The investigation also uncovered an international angle — with some local youth lured to countries like Myanmar, Vietnam, Thailand, and the Philippines, where the fraud operations are reportedly being managed. Eleven people from Jammu and Kashmir, including a woman, were recently rescued and brought back from such countries.
Authorities have issued a strong warning against involvement in mule accounts, stating that the minimum sentence for cyber fraud is 10 years. “Opening or operating a mule account has serious legal consequences,” warned the SSP.
The cyber fraud crackdown was made possible with support from the Indian Cyber Crime Coordination Centre (I4C) under the Ministry of Home Affairs in New Delhi.
