India’s Cybercrime Coordination Center (I4C) has issued an alert regarding the emergence of illegal payment gateways created by organized transnational cybercriminals. These gateways, established using mule bank accounts, are used to facilitate money laundering as a service.

The Ministry of Home Affairs (MHA) is actively working to strengthen cybersecurity across the country. Recent nationwide police raids in Gujarat and Andhra Pradesh revealed that transnational criminals had set up illegal digital payment gateways. These gateways use leased or mule accounts to launder the proceeds of various cybercrimes, a government press release states.

According to the statement, I4C has advised citizens against selling or renting their bank accounts, business registration certificates or Udhyam Aadhaar registration certificates. Engaging in such activities can result in serious legal consequences, including arrest, as illicit funds deposited in these accounts are subject to increased scrutiny.

I4C encouraged banks to implement necessary controls to detect and prevent misuse of bank accounts and asked citizens to immediately report any cybercrime incidents to the hotline number 1930 or www.cybercrime.gov. in. Additionally, following “CyberDost” channels on social media can help individuals stay informed about cybersecurity threats and precautions.

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