The Central Bureau of Investigation has arrested two bank officials for allegedly conspiring with organized cybercriminals to open and operate mule accounts that were later used for transferring money in cyber fraud cases.

The arrests were made on December 24, 2025, following an ongoing CBI investigation into cybercrime-linked mule accounts. The accused include the then Assistant Manager of Canara Bank, Patna, and the then Business Development Associate of Axis Bank, Patna. They were arrested from Varanasi in Uttar Pradesh and Bettiah in Bihar, respectively, and are being produced before the jurisdictional courts after obtaining transit remand.

CBI officials said the arrests came after analysis of digital devices and financial records revealed sufficient evidence of their active involvement in opening and operationalizing mule accounts. Investigators found that the two bankers not only facilitated the opening of these accounts but also guided cyber fraudsters in conducting money mule transactions used in online scams.

The agency has also gathered evidence indicating that the accused received quid pro quo for their role in assisting the cybercriminals. According to the CBI, the bank officials advised fraudsters on ways to avoid system-generated red flags, enabling continued illegal fund transfers without detection.

The case is part of a larger probe in which the CBI had earlier conducted searches at 61 locations across the country and arrested 13 accused involved in the opening and operation of mule accounts. Charge sheets have already been filed against those arrested for offences under the IPC, Bharatiya Nyaya Sanhita, and the Prevention of Corruption Act.

CBI officials said the role of other bank employees suspected of involvement in similar activities is under investigation and further action may follow. The agency reiterated that the crackdown is part of the Government of India’s ongoing effort to combat cybercrime by dismantling the financial networks that support such offences.