ADGP orders crackdown on mule accounts to curb cybercrime

Mysuru: Additional director general of police (crime and technical services) P Harishekaran, who conducted a periodical crime review meeting, directed city police to identify those creating mule accounts and take strict action against them.Mule accounts are used for routing fraudulent transactions in cybercrimes. The ADGP asked officers to identify those involved in creating mule accounts and operating such accounts, and to act against them, which will help in bringing down the offence. Harishekaran also directed officers to provide training to PSIs in this regard.
Commissioner of Police Seema Latkar told TOI that the ADGP noticed that drastic decline in crime figures under various heads over the past two years. All major crimes, including house burglary and theft, murder, dacoity and chain-snatching, had reduced by nearly 50%, she stated. Regarding cyber offences, the ADGP suggested tracking mule accounts to tackle rising number of cybercrimes, she added.In 2025, Mysuru city reported loses of about Rs 43 crore in various cyber offences, and in Jan 2026 alone, the city reported a loss of Rs 5.5 crore.Sources claimed that the ADGP also instructed the city police to remain alert and vigilant, strengthen surveillance, and ensure prompt action against drug peddling networks.The review covered multiple crime heads, including conviction performance, murder, dacoity, offences against women and children, cases registered under the Juvenile Justice (JJ) Act, and financial fraud.DCP (crime and traffic) KS Sundar Raj and assistant commissioners of police, police inspectors and sub-inspectors attended the meeting.