Pune: In a major crackdown on the financial networks supporting cybercrime, Pune Police have arrested 152 accused and registered cases against 132 mule account holders under the ongoing ‘Operation Mule Hunt’ campaign. The operation is being conducted jointly by Pune Police and Maharashtra Cyber to dismantle banking channels allegedly used by cyber fraudsters to transfer and conceal illegally obtained money.
Officials said cybercriminals often use mule bank accounts to move funds obtained through online fraud, and the campaign aims to identify and disrupt these financial networks to curb cybercrime.
Action Underway Across Multiple States
According to police, action is currently underway on 1,705 notices received from other states through the Coordination Portal. Pune Police have also issued 2,099 notices to mule account holders in other states.
During the investigation, accused have been arrested from Pune, Mumbai, Navi Mumbai, Chhatrapati Sambhajinagar and several other states. Police said charge sheets have already been filed in multiple cases.
Investigators are examining bank transactions, mobile call records, digital payment trails and other technical evidence linked to cybercrime operations.
Police Warn Against Sharing Bank Accounts and Documents
Police have warned that individuals who knowingly provide their bank accounts, ATM cards, SIM cards or identity documents to cybercriminals in exchange for money or other benefits will also face legal action as co-accused.
Citizens have been advised not to share their bank account details, ATM cards, cheque books, net banking credentials, OTPs, SIM cards, mobile numbers, email IDs, Aadhaar or PAN details with unknown persons. Police have also urged the public to report anyone assisting cybercriminals to the nearest police station or cyber police unit.
Cyber Awareness Campaigns Reach Nearly 3 Lakh People
As part of preventive efforts, Pune Police said it has conducted 1,142 cyber awareness programmes across the city in 2026, reaching nearly 3 lakh people with cyber safety messages.
Under the ‘Campus Connect Safe Horizon’ initiative, awareness campaigns are also being organised in schools, colleges, IT companies, housing societies and government offices to educate people about cyber fraud and online safety.