CBI arrests two bank officials in mule accounts case

The Central Bureau of Investigation (CBI) on Wednesday (December 24, 2025) arrested two bank officials allegedly involved in the opening of mule accounts in conspiracy with organised cybercriminals. The accounts were later used to transfer funds generated through cyber frauds.

The accused have been identified as Shalini Sinha, Assistant Manager in Canara Bank, and Abhishek Kumar, Business Development Associate in Axis Bank. Both were posted in Patna.

While the first accused was held in Uttar Pradesh’s Varanasi, the second was picked up from Bettiah in Bihar.

During investigations into the mule accounts opened for committing cybercrimes, and based on the analysis of digital devices, the agency said it has gathered sufficient evidence against them.

“These two bankers have played active roles in opening and operationalising the mule accounts and further guiding the cyber fraudsters in money mule transactions. Evidence has also been gathered to prove that these bankers have received quid pro quo for assisting the cyber fraudsters as part of the conspiracy. The arrested accused have also advised the cybercrime fraudsters how to avoid the system generated red flags,” the CBI said.

The CBI had earlier conducted searches at 61 locations across the country and arrested 13 accused in connection with the opening and operation of mule accounts, and recently filed charge sheets against them for various offences.

“The role of other bank officials who are connected with the opening and operationalising of mule accounts is under investigation,” it added.