What is the primary function of a 'mule account' in the context of cybercrime?

To receive, transfer, or withdraw money obtained through fraudulent activities.

To facilitate legal international remittances for small businesses.

To store encrypted data for government intelligence agencies.

To provide secure digital identity verification for banking customers.

The 'Pratibimb' portal, used for profiling cyber criminals, is associated with which of the following organizations?

Indian Cybercrime Coordination Centre (I4C)

Central Bureau of Investigation (CBI)

Securities and Exchange Board of India (SEBI)

Daily

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10 August 2026

Tamil Nadu cybercrime crackdown

The topic provides a practical, real-world example of cybercrime enforcement and the use of national digital infrastructure like I4C, which serves as useful context for answers on internal security and e-governance.

Notes

Tamil Nadu Cyber Crime Wing (CCW) conducted a 48-hour state-wide drive against 'mule account' holders.
Operation resulted in 837 arrests across the state, linked to 601 cases.
Targeted 9,804 complaints involving fraudulent transactions exceeding ₹545 crore.
157 new FIRs were registered to address the misuse of bank accounts for cyber fraud.
Methodology: Accused profiling utilized the National Cybercrime Reporting Portal and the I4C's Pratibimb portal.
Financial data analysis was used to establish bank fund-trail linkages.
Seizures included 204 mobile phones, storage devices, cash, and bank documents.
Mule accounts are defined as bank accounts used by criminals to receive, transfer, layer, or withdraw proceeds from illegal activities.

Part of a longer story

This is day 1 of 2 in Tamil Nadu cybercrime investigation procedures and police accountability, which has been running since 10 August 2026. Reading it whole is usually worth more than reading today alone — the exam asks how something developed.

Questions

The proliferation of 'mule accounts' poses a significant challenge to financial security in the digital age. Discuss the role of inter-agency coordination and data-driven profiling in combating organized cybercrime networks in India. 150 words

Attempt this — 150 words in 8 min

0 / 150 words 8:00
Examine the systemic vulnerabilities in the banking sector that facilitate the operation of mule accounts. Suggest institutional reforms and technological interventions required to strengthen the national cybercrime reporting and investigation framework. 250 words

Attempt this — 250 words in 11 min

0 / 250 words 11:00

Prelims

What is the primary function of a 'mule account' in the context of cybercrime?

The 'Pratibimb' portal, used for profiling cyber criminals, is associated with which of the following organizations?

Syllabus

Topics

Sources

T.N. police arrest 837 cyber criminals in two days

250words.in · https://250words.in/daily/2026-08-10/tamil-nadu-cybercrime-crackdown