Daijiworld Media Network - Pune
Pune, Aug 1: Pune Police have arrested 152 people and registered cases against 132 mule account holders as part of the ongoing 'Operation Mule Hunt' campaign aimed at dismantling the financial networks used by cyber fraudsters.
The drive is being conducted jointly by Pune Police and Maharashtra Cyber to identify and disrupt banking channels through which cybercriminals transfer and launder money obtained through online frauds.
According to police officials, 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 as part of the investigation.
The accused have been arrested from Pune, Mumbai, Navi Mumbai, Chhatrapati Sambhajinagar and several other states. Charge sheets have already been filed in multiple cases.
Investigators are examining bank transactions, mobile call records, digital payment trails and other technical evidence to trace cybercrime operations and identify those involved.
Police warned that individuals who knowingly provide their bank accounts, ATM cards, SIM cards or other identity documents to cybercriminals in return for money or other benefits will face legal action as co-accused.
Pune Police have advised citizens not to share their bank account details, ATM cards, cheque books, internet banking credentials, OTPs, SIM cards, mobile numbers, email IDs, Aadhaar or PAN details with unknown persons. They have also urged the public to immediately report anyone assisting cybercriminals to the nearest police station or cyber police unit.
As part of preventive measures, Pune Police said it has conducted 1,142 cyber awareness programmes across the city in 2026, reaching nearly three lakh people with cyber safety messages.
Under the 'Campus Connect Safe Horizon' initiative, awareness campaigns are also being held in schools, colleges, IT companies, housing societies and government offices to strengthen public awareness against cyber fraud.