Mule Accounts Unmasked: Inside Manipur Crackdown on Cyber Fraud
Summary of the News Article
Two men from Assam—31-year-old Bikram Basumatary of Barpeta and 35-year-old Sudem Basumatary of Chirang—were arrested by Manipur Police’s Cyber Crime Unit at the Khuman Lampak Inter-State Bus Terminus in Imphal for operating “mule” bank accounts that facilitated cyber fraud. These accounts, linked to economic offences in multiple states via India’s National Cybercrime Reporting Portal, were part of a network uncovered under CBI’s nationwide Operation Chakra, which identified over 8.5 lakh mule accounts across 700+ bank branches
When Bank Accounts Become Criminal Tools
Ever wondered how cyber crooks move their dirty money without leaving a paper trail? Enter the “mule” account—a seemingly innocent bank account used as a middleman to receive, transfer, and launder illicit proceeds. Recently in Manipur, the state Cyber Crime Unit snagged two Assam men running exactly this scheme, shining a spotlight on a dark underbelly of cybercrime that touches every corner of India and beyond.
The Manipur Bust: Who, What, Where, When
The Accused
- Bikram Basumatary (31) from Barpeta district, Assam.
- Sudem Basumatary (35) from Chirang district, Assam
How They Were Caught
During a special operation at the Khuman Lampak Inter-State Bus Terminus, Imphal West, cyber cops swooped in when the duo tried to process suspicious transactions.
Their Modus Operandi
They created and managed accounts on behalf of cybercriminals, collected sensitive data—Aadhaar numbers, bank credentials—and used these “mules” to launder funds from phishing, romance scams, and fake investment portals
A Collective Effort Against Invisible Enemies
The arrest of Bikram and Sudem Basumatary in Imphal is more than just a newsworthy bust—it’s a wake-up call. Mule bank accounts are the linchpin of cyber fraud, enabling billions in illicit flows. Cracking these networks demands technological innovation, robust legal frameworks, and, above all, public vigilance. Each of us has a role: securing our data, questioning too-good-to-be-true offers, and supporting law-enforcement efforts. Only then can we starve cybercriminals of their financial lifeblood.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
1. What exactly is a mule bank account?
A mule account is a bank account used to receive, transfer, or launder money on behalf of criminals. The mule—often unaware of full details—simply processes transactions for a fee.
2. How did the Manipur Cyber Crime Unit catch the suspects?
They conducted a special operation at the Khuman Lampak ISBT in Imphal West, acting on intelligence from the CBI’s Operation Chakra and digital transaction alerts
3. What penalties do mule operators face in India?
Under the IT Act, IPC, and PMLA, they can face hefty fines (up to ₹10 lakh), up to 10 years in prison, and bank account blacklisting.
4. How can I spot a mule recruitment scam?
Be wary of job ads promising high pay for minimal work. Legitimate employers won’t ask you to open multiple bank accounts or forward OTPs.
5. What steps are being taken to prevent mule account proliferation?
Authorities are tightening KYC checks, deploying AI for pattern detection, enhancing inter-agency cooperation, and running public awareness campaigns.
