Pune, August 1: In a significant move against cyber fraud, Pune police have launched ‘Operation Mule Hunt,’ resulting in the registration of cases against 132 mule account holders and the arrest of 152 suspects. This operation is a collaborative effort between Pune police and Maharashtra Cyber.
According to police, cybercriminals use mule accounts to hide and transfer money obtained through online scams. These accounts serve as the financial backbone of cybercriminal networks. The primary goal of this operation is to dismantle these networks and effectively curb cybercrime.
Pune police reported ongoing actions on 1,705 notices received from other states via a coordination portal. Additionally, 2,099 notices have been sent to mule account holders in other states from Pune. Arrests have been made in Pune, Mumbai, Navi Mumbai, and Chhatrapati Sambhajinagar, with charges filed in several cases.
During the investigation, police are conducting a thorough examination of bank transactions, mobile call records, digital transactions, and other technical aspects related to cybercriminals. Authorities have made it clear that individuals who provide their bank accounts, ATM cards, SIM cards, or other documents to cybercriminals will also face legal action as co-accused.
Pune police urge citizens not to share personal information such as bank accounts, ATM cards, checkbooks, net banking details, OTPs, SIM cards, mobile numbers, email IDs, Aadhaar, or PAN cards with unknown individuals. They have advised reporting any information regarding those aiding cybercriminals to the nearest police station or cyber police.
In 2026, the city conducted 1,142 awareness programs on cybersecurity, reaching nearly three lakh people with important safety messages. Furthermore, the ‘Campus Connect Safe Horizon’ initiative is actively promoting awareness in schools, colleges, IT companies, housing societies, and government offices.
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