Bank Brass Behind Bars: CBI Arrests Duo for Operationalizing Fraudulent Mule Accounts.
(By Syed Ali Taher Abedi)
Bihar | December 24, 2025: In a significant crackdown on organised cyber fraud, the Central Bureau of Investigation (CBI) has arrested two bank officials for their alleged complicity in the opening of “mule accounts” in concert with cybercrime syndicates, which were subsequently utilised for illicit fund transfers. Acting on material unearthed during the investigation of a registered CBI case, including forensic analysis of digital devices, the agency claims to have gathered substantive incriminating evidence against the then Assistant Manager of Canara Bank, Patna, and the then Business Development Associate of Axis Bank, Patna.
The investigation has revealed that the two bankers allegedly played an active and facilitative role in the opening and operation of mule accounts, while also guiding cyber fraudsters in executing money-mule transactions. The agency has further claimed to have collected evidence indicating receipt of quid pro quo by the officials in return for extending such illegal assistance, pointing to a larger criminal conspiracy. Investigators also allege that the accused advised the fraudsters on methods to circumvent system-generated red flags, thereby enabling the continuation of the illicit operations.
It may be recalled that CBI had earlier conducted searches at 61 locations across the country and arrested 13 accused in connection with opening and operating of mule accounts and filed charge sheets against them recently for various offences under IPC/BNS and Prevention of Corruption Act.
The two bankers have been arrested today, i.e., 24.12.2025 at Varanasi, UP and Betia, Bihar respectively and are being produced before the jurisdictional court after obtaining transit remand.
The role of other bank officials who are connected with the opening and operationalizing of mule accounts is under investigation. Investigation in this case is continuing.
The action is part of ongoing commitment of Govt of India to sternly deal with cybercrime and its perpetrators with a special emphasis on dismantling the infrastructure behind such offences.
