Varanasi, December 25, 2025: The Central Bureau of Investigation (CBI) has arrested a bank official in Varanasi for allegedly opening "mule bank accounts" and assisting in the transfer of illicit funds for cybercriminals. Following the arrest, the accused was produced before a special court and transit remand was obtained. According to police and the investigation agency, Shalini Sinha, Assistant Manager at the Canara Bank branch in Chetayi, is accused of conspiring with cybercriminals to open mule bank accounts, which were used to withdraw and transfer illegally obtained money from cyber fraud.
The investigation also revealed that several bank employees and intermediaries were involved in the network assisting the cybercriminals, who kept the accounts active using forged documents. The agency stated that numerous transactions related to cyber fraud were recorded in these accounts.
The CBI has secured a transit remand for the accused and scheduled a presentation before the relevant court in Delhi. The investigation is ongoing, and efforts are underway to identify further individuals involved in this network.
What are Mule Bank Accounts?
Mule bank accounts are accounts used by cybercriminals to conceal financial transactions and transfer fraudulently obtained funds. These accounts are often opened in the names of individuals who are unaware of their actual use.
