Bihar police crack down on mule bank accounts, 141 arrested in statewide cyber fraud sweep

In a major operation against cyber fraud networks, the Bihar Police arrested 141 people across the state on Wednesday for their alleged involvement in operating mule bank accounts used to channel illicit money obtained through online scams.

The statewide crackdown was carried out under “Cyber Prahar 2.0” , a special enforcement drive led by the Cyber Crime and Security Unit of the police. According to officials, the operation led to the registration of 86 FIRs across multiple districts , reflecting the widespread presence of such networks in the state.

A mule bank account is typically opened using fake or manipulated identity documents or through individuals who allow their accounts to be used by cybercriminals. These accounts act as temporary channels where money obtained from frauds is deposited before being quickly withdrawn or transferred elsewhere to avoid detection.

Police said the investigation revealed an organised network involving intermediaries who arranged bank accounts, SIM cards, and ATM cards for cybercriminal groups operating across the country. These networks often work in layers, making it difficult for investigators to track the flow of stolen funds.

During the operation, several local networks were exposed. In Bhojpur district , an accused was arrested for opening fake bank accounts allegedly in collusion with an executive sales manager of a private bank. Police recovered five ATM cards, 14 SIM cards, and documents related to nearly 50 additional suspicious accounts during the raid.

Another major breakthrough came in Bhagalpur , where police uncovered a gang accused of siphoning off funds from beneficiaries of the Pradhan Mantri Kisan Samman Nidhi Scheme . The gang reportedly used Aadhaar-enabled payment systems to withdraw money from beneficiary accounts and then routed it through mule accounts. Five suspects were arrested in connection with the fraud.

In Motihari , police registered 12 FIRs and took action against 30 individuals through arrests and legal notices. Similar action was reported in Aurangabad and Madhubani , where several suspects linked to cyber fraud networks were identified.

Officials also found evidence of negligence and possible collusion by some bank employees , leading to the arrest of a few staff members of a private bank.

Authorities said the investigation is ongoing. In the next phase of Cyber Prahar 2.0 , police have already identified more than 100 fake SIM card sellers whose SIM cards were allegedly used by cybercriminals to carry out frauds across the country.