The Indian Cybercrime Coordination Center (I4C) has issued an alert against illegal payment gateways created using mule bank accounts by transnational organized cybercriminals facilitating money laundering as a service. The Home Ministry said that recent nationwide raids by the Gujarat Police and Andhra Pradesh Police have revealed that transnational criminals have established illegal digital payment gateways using mule or rented accounts. These are used to launder proceeds from various types of cybercrimes. The Home Ministry, in collaboration with law enforcement agencies, is taking all necessary steps to create a cyber-secure Bharat.

These mule accounts are controlled remotely from overseas. An illegal payment gateway is created using these mule accounts. These are given to criminal syndicates for accepting deposits on illegal platforms like fake investment scam sites, offshore betting and gambling websites, and fake stock trading platforms. Funds are immediately layered into another account as soon as the crime proceeds are received. Indian Cybercrime Coordination Center has advised citizens not to sell or rent their bank accounts’ company registration certificates or Udhyam Aadhaar Registration certificates to anyone. Illicit funds deposited in such bank accounts can lead to legal consequences, including arrest. Citizens must immediately report any cybercrime on helpline number 1930 or www.cybercrime.gov.in and follow the “CyberDost” account on social media.