The Dark Web of 'Mule Accounts' in J&K: Unraveling a Global Scam Nexus

Security agencies have identified over 8,000 'mule accounts' in Jammu and Kashmir, crucial to global scam networks. These accounts facilitate money laundering and may fund anti-national activities. Further investigations reveal international players influencing these operations, utilizing crypto wallets and VPNs to maintain anonymity and evade detection.

Security agencies have uncovered a sprawling web of 'mule accounts' in Jammu and Kashmir, which they describe as the financial spine of international scam networks. Officials express concern that the funds passing through these accounts might support separatist and anti-national activities.

Over 8,000 such accounts have been identified and frozen in the past three years, exposing a complex system of money laundering. Central security bodies are urging local police and law enforcement agencies to work with banks to stem the growth of these 'mule accounts' and pinpoint the intermediaries, or 'mulers', who facilitate financial fraud.

The current operation reflects a shift towards a 'digital hawala' model, with 'mulers' exploiting ordinary people's bank accounts, inducing them with easy commissions. The intricate money trail, mixed with the use of VPNs and crypto wallets, points to contributions by actors from countries like China and Malaysia, fueling unseen risks in the region.

(With inputs from agencies.)