What is Aadhaar/Mule Account Crypto Laundering?

Aadhaar/Mule Account Crypto Laundering is a reported other scam that BharatSecure has documented as affecting Indian users. Fraudsters use it to trick victims into sharing money, OTPs, or personal and banking details. It currently carries a risk rating of 10/10 (Critical).

Is Aadhaar/Mule Account Crypto Laundering dangerous, and how common is it in India?

Yes. This scam is rated Critical severity (10/10) because it can lead to direct financial loss or identity theft. It spreads through SMS, WhatsApp, phone calls, and fake websites, and variants are reported across India throughout the year. Treat any unexpected message or call matching this pattern as suspicious until verified.

How can I protect myself from Aadhaar/Mule Account Crypto Laundering?

Verify any request to share your Aadhaar or bank account details with extreme caution. Never share OTPs or bank verification codes with anyone, no matter how trustworthy they appear. Report any suspicious calls or messages asking to ‘rent’ your Aadhaar or bank details to your bank immediately. Contact your bank’s customer support or visit the branch if you suspect your account is being misused. Never share OTPs, UPI PINs, card numbers, or passwords; verify any request independently using official numbers from the company's real website; and avoid clicking links in unsolicited messages.

Aadhaar/Mule Account Crypto Laundering

आधार और म्यूल अकाउंट क्रिप्टो लॉन्ड्रिंग

INDIA — By BharatSecure Threat Intelligence Team · Updated Apr 21, 2026

Dangerous Risk: 10/10 Severity: Critical BharatSecure Threat Intelligence

Category: Other

Verdict Summary

Aadhaar/Mule Account Crypto Laundering is a confirmed scam. Do not engage — block the sender and report to 1930 (National Cyber Crime Helpline) immediately.

Risk score: 10/10 · Severity: Critical · Verdict: Dangerous

Scam Intelligence: Aadhaar/Mule Account Crypto Laundering

Proprietary signals from BharatSecure's scam-tracking database.

Last reported	Apr 08, 2026
First documented	Apr 08, 2026

How Aadhaar/Mule Account Crypto Laundering Works

Criminals buy Aadhaar details or Telegram numbers from unsuspecting people.
These identities are used to create 'Mule' KYC accounts on crypto exchanges.
Proceeds from other frauds are laundered through these accounts to international wallets.

How This Scam Works — Detailed Explanation

Aadhaar/Mule Account Crypto Laundering is a critical scam increasingly affecting Indian citizens, exploiting the trust in Aadhaar and banking systems. Scammers first buy or rent Aadhaar-linked bank accounts to create mule accounts. These accounts appear genuine because they are tied to real individuals' Aadhaar identities. Using platforms like Telegram, fraudsters organize large networks of these mule accounts and coordinate crypto transactions aimed at money laundering. They launder massive sums—reported up to ₹600 crore—through crypto exchanges by using mule accounts to convert illegally obtained money into cryptocurrency and then quickly transfer it across wallets to make tracing difficult.

Scammers typically approach victims primarily via WhatsApp, Telegram groups, or calls, offering money in exchange for “renting” their Aadhaar or bank accounts. Victims may be promised easy earnings for sharing minimal details or even OTPs related to account creation and verification. Once the victim shares this information or allows access, scammers create UPI IDs or mobile banking profiles linked to the victim's Aadhaar, which then become part of the laundering network. Victims are often unaware that their accounts are being used to move illicit money, as these transactions can look like normal deposits and withdrawals.

The scam works smoothly because of India’s vast Aadhaar infrastructure and India's push toward digital banking with services like UPI and mobile wallets. Scammers manipulate this by activating multiple accounts quickly, using stolen or rented Aadhaar details, thus bypassing many KYC checks that are otherwise stringent. The biggest risk for victims is financial and legal liability since the Indian authorities may track illicit activities back to the mule account holders, who may unknowingly face investigation for money laundering.

Victims often discover something is wrong only when their bank freezes accounts or when blocked by banks for suspicious transactions. Worse, scammers sometimes ask for OTPs to verify transactions or account setups, which once shared, give them full control over the victim’s account. This scam is dangerous, not just for financial loss but for the long-term damage to the victim's banking reputation and the potential legal complications. Awareness and caution around sharing Aadhaar information, OTPs, or selling/renting accounts is crucial for protection.

Who Does Aadhaar/Mule Account Crypto Laundering Target?

Low-income individuals willing to sell their KYC documents.

Red Flags — How to Identify Aadhaar/Mule Account Crypto Laundering

Requests to 'rent' or sell your Aadhaar/Bank account
Payment for sharing OTPs related to account creation

What To Do If You Encounter Aadhaar/Mule Account Crypto Laundering

Verify any request to share your Aadhaar or bank account details with extreme caution.
Never share OTPs or bank verification codes with anyone, no matter how trustworthy they appear.
Report any suspicious calls or messages asking to ‘rent’ your Aadhaar or bank details to your bank immediately.
Contact your bank’s customer support or visit the branch if you suspect your account is being misused.
File a complaint with the cybercrime cell or police if you suspect your Aadhaar or bank account is part of a laundering scheme.

How to Report Aadhaar/Mule Account Crypto Laundering in India

Call 1930 — National Cyber Crime Helpline (24x7)
File a complaint at cybercrime.gov.in
Contact your bank immediately if money was lost
Call RBI helpline: 14440 for banking fraud

Frequently Asked Questions

What is Aadhaar/Mule Account Crypto Laundering?: Aadhaar/Mule Account Crypto Laundering is a reported other scam that BharatSecure has documented as affecting Indian users. Fraudsters use it to trick victims into sharing money, OTPs, or personal and banking details. It currently carries a risk rating of 10/10 (Critical).
Is Aadhaar/Mule Account Crypto Laundering dangerous, and how common is it in India?: Yes. This scam is rated Critical severity (10/10) because it can lead to direct financial loss or identity theft. It spreads through SMS, WhatsApp, phone calls, and fake websites, and variants are reported across India throughout the year. Treat any unexpected message or call matching this pattern as suspicious until verified.
How can I protect myself from Aadhaar/Mule Account Crypto Laundering?: Verify any request to share your Aadhaar or bank account details with extreme caution. Never share OTPs or bank verification codes with anyone, no matter how trustworthy they appear. Report any suspicious calls or messages asking to ‘rent’ your Aadhaar or bank details to your bank immediately. Contact your bank’s customer support or visit the branch if you suspect your account is being misused. Never share OTPs, UPI PINs, card numbers, or passwords; verify any request independently using official numbers from the company's real website; and avoid clicking links in unsolicited messages.
How do I report Aadhaar/Mule Account Crypto Laundering in India?: Call 1930 (the National Cyber Crime Helpline) within 24 hours for the best chance of recovering funds, and file a complaint at cybercrime.gov.in with screenshots and transaction details. Notify your bank's fraud team to freeze transactions, and report the suspect UPI ID or phone number to BharatSecure so other users can be warned.

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