Odisha Police intensifies ‘Operation Cyber Kavach’, verifies 73 mule accounts in statewide crackdown

Special enforcement drive targets mule bank accounts and cybercrime facilitators across multiple districts, leading to new cases, arrests and legal notices as Odisha Police strengthens efforts to dismantle financial networks behind organised digital fraud.

The Odisha Police carried out coordinated cyber enforcement actions across several districts as part of its ongoing statewide campaign, ‘Operation Cyber Kavach’. The special drive focused on identifying mule bank accounts and individuals allegedly aiding organised cyber fraud networks.

District cyber teams conducted verification and enforcement operations under the supervision of senior police officers, supported by real-time coordination from specialised cyber units. The initiative is aimed at disrupting the financial backbone of online fraud syndicates operating within and beyond the state.

District-wise action and arrests

In Boudh district, authorities verified 45 suspected mule bank accounts and registered a fresh cybercrime case, issuing legal notices to 45 individuals. Malkangiri district verified 20 mule accounts and also registered a new case.

In Sundargarh, police verified two mule accounts, linked two cases with existing FIRs, and arrested six accused persons. Meanwhile, urban police in Cuttack examined six mule accounts and registered a new cybercrime case, serving notices to six persons.

Overall, the operation led to the verification of 73 mule bank accounts across Odisha in a single day. Police registered three new cybercrime cases, linked two cases with ongoing investigations, arrested six individuals, and issued 51 legal notices to suspected facilitators and account holders.

Disrupting the financial chain of cybercrime

Officials said the crackdown forms part of a broader disruption-oriented strategy to dismantle mule banking networks that enable organised cyber fraud. Mule accounts are often used by fraudsters to route illicit funds, making them a critical component of digital crime operations.

Under Operation Cyber Kavach, authorities are prioritising the identification of facilitators, freezing suspicious accounts, and preventing misuse of banking and telecom resources for fraudulent activities.

Police said daily monitoring and structured reporting mechanisms remain in place to ensure coordination between districts and sustain enforcement momentum. The Odisha Police reiterated its commitment to intelligence-led policing and coordinated action to safeguard citizens and reinforce the state’s digital security framework.