New Delhi: The Ministry of Home Affairs (MHA) has issued a warning about unauthorized digital payment gateways set up by international cybercrime networks, often utilizing "mule accounts" to launder money. Mule accounts are bank accounts used to receive and transfer funds derived from illicit activities.

According to the MHA, cybercriminals use bank bulk payout features to transfer illegal funds through accounts linked to shell companies and individuals. Recent police operations in Gujarat and Andhra Pradesh uncovered illegal digital gateways created by cybercriminals using rented bank accounts to channel money from criminal activities. Payment services flagged during these raids include PeacePay, RTX Pay, PoccoPay, and RPPay, reportedly managed by foreign nationals offering money laundering as a service.

The Indian Cybercrime Coordination Centre (I4C) has traced how these criminal groups recruit accounts via Telegram and Facebook. The illicit payment systems operate through these mule accounts, accepting deposits from fake investment websites, offshore betting, and fraudulent stock trading sites, with funds immediately moved to other accounts to obscure origins.

The MHA cautioned citizens against selling or renting out their bank accounts, business registrations, or Udyam Aadhaar certificates, as misuse could lead to legal consequences. Additionally, I4C advised banks to strengthen account monitoring to prevent exploitation by unauthorized payment gateways.