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Karnataka Cyber Command Identifies 869 Mule Accounts, ₹285 Cr Traced, 68 Arrests in Shift to AI-Driven Prevention

Target:UPSC GS-IIMPSCSSC GATeachingPrelims HighMains HighStatic GK Link
21 Feb 2026
~2 min
Source: Indian Express
Key Data:869 mule accounts8,788 NCRP complaints₹285.05 crore tracedOver ₹13 crore frozen68 arrests60 FIRs (Dec-Feb)
Bodies:Karnataka Cyber CommandKarnataka CIDKarnataka High CourtNational Cyber Crime Reporting Portal (NCRP)
Practice MCQs from today's news ▸
What This Article Covers

1.Karnataka Cyber Command, operational since September 2025, has linked 8,788 cybercrime complaints to 869 identified mule accounts through which ₹285.05 crore flowed.

2.The state is shifting from fragmented district-level investigations to a centralized, four-pillar model focusing on investigation, cybersecurity, misinformation tracking, and training.

3.The initiative introduces AI/ML tools for fraud detection and 'cyber commandos' under K-CERT for rapid response, representing a model for proactive, tech-driven governance against cybercrime.

The Big Picture
Prelims · HighMains · High

Karnataka's centralized Cyber Command has disrupted major cyber fraud networks, identifying 869 mule accounts linked to ₹285 crore. This marks a strategic shift from reactive policing to AI-led prevention, cybersecurity audits, and rapid-response 'cyber commandos'. This case study is vital for exams on cybercrime governance, financial fraud, and state-level technological interventions in law enforcement.

Exam Lens

Quick Exam Facts From News

Mule Accounts Identified869
Linked Complaints (NCRP)8,788
Amount Traced₹285.05 crore
Amount FrozenOver ₹13 crore
Arrests Made68
FIRs Registered (Dec-Feb)60
Cyber Command SetupApril 2025
Karnataka Cyber Loss 2024₹2,915 crore (6.11 lakh cases)

1-Minute Revision

  • ›Mule Accounts Identified: 869
  • ›Linked Complaints (NCRP): 8,788
  • ›Target this Data: 869 mule accounts linked to 8,788 NCRP complaints and ₹285.05 crore.
  • ›Target this Nodal Body: Karnataka Cyber Command Centre (CCC) / Karnataka Cyber Command.
  • ›Target this Legal Point: National Cyber Crime Reporting Portal (NCRP) under the Ministry of Home Affairs.

Mastered this topic? Test your knowledge with a full MCQ quiz.

Practice exam-style questions, track your score, and strengthen your recall.

Q1Static LinkageEasy

The National Cyber Crime Reporting Portal (NCRP), mentioned in the context of cyber fraud complaints, operates under which Union Ministry?

Q2Statement-basedHard

Consider the following statements regarding the Karnataka Cyber Command:

1. It was established in April 2025 and became fully operational in September 2025.

2. Its creation was mandated by a directive from the Supreme Court of India.

3. It operates through four major pillars: investigation, cybersecurity, misinformation tracking, and training.

Which of the statements given above is/are correct?

Q3Data-centricMedium

According to the article, what was the total amount of financial loss reported in cyber crimes in Karnataka for the year 2024?

Q4Application/ImpactMedium

What is the primary strategic shift embodied by the Karnataka Cyber Command's new approach, as highlighted in the article?

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