Chandigarh: The Punjab Police’s State Cyber Crime Division has intensified its action against cyber fraud networks, freezing tens of thousands of bank accounts and disrupting large-scale financial scams across India. Since 2024, authorities have frozen 63,749 bank accounts linked to cyber fraud transactions worth approximately ₹540.34 crore.
Officials say the crackdown has significantly improved victim recovery rates while exposing inter-state cybercrime syndicates operating through complex digital and financial networks.
Massive Action by State Cyber Crime Division
The State Cyber Crime Division has played a central role in tracking fraudulent transactions and freezing suspicious accounts.
According to officials, the division’s coordinated efforts have:
- Frozen 63,749 bank accounts since 2024
- Tracked cyber fraud transactions worth around ₹540.34 crore
- Improved financial recovery systems using real-time monitoring and digital investigation tools
Punjab’s cyber units have strengthened financial intelligence tracking to stop stolen funds from being further transferred or withdrawn.
Recovery of Defrauded Money Shows Strong Improvement
Authorities reported that nearly ₹64 crore has been successfully recovered and returned to victims since 2024. This includes approximately ₹38.42 crore recovered since January 1, 2025.
The recovery efficiency has also improved notably:
- Frozen fraud proceeds increased from 16.13% to 23.43% over the last financial year
- Faster response mechanisms have helped block transactions before funds are laundered
Officials say this reflects better coordination between banks, cyber cells, and investigative teams.
Top Districts in Cyber Fraud Account Freezing
Several districts have reported high numbers of frozen accounts and recoveries:
- Jalandhar Commissionerate: 16,032 accounts frozen; ₹6.81 crore recovered
- Kapurthala: 7,344 accounts frozen; ₹2.56 crore recovered
- Hoshiarpur: 7,201 accounts frozen; ₹3.96 crore recovered
- Ferozepur: 6,930 accounts frozen; ₹93.16 lakh recovered
- Tarn Taran: 5,229 accounts frozen; ₹6.97 crore recovered
- Jalandhar Rural: 4,475 accounts frozen; ₹55.94 lakh recovered
- Sangrur: 1,760 accounts frozen
- Fatehgarh Sahib: 2,685 accounts frozen
These figures highlight the widespread nature of cyber fraud across both urban and rural regions of the state.
Cyber Extortion Case Highlights International Link
In a recent high-profile case, police solved a cyber extortion incident involving a Punjabi resident living in Canada.
Victims were targeted through social media platforms and manipulated under the guise of “online ardas” (prayer-based assistance). After being persuaded to share sensitive videos, they were blackmailed with threats of public circulation.
Police action led to:
- Arrest of three accused individuals
- Recovery of ₹3,49,100 and USD 500
- Seizure of 29 mobile phones, laptops, dongle, tablet, and other digital equipment
The case revealed how cybercriminals exploit emotional trust and cultural practices for financial extortion.
Awareness Campaigns Across Punjab
To prevent cybercrime, police conducted 129 awareness programmes across the state, focusing on digital safety and scam prevention.
Key outreach efforts included:
- 50 programmes in Mansa
- 44 in Sri Muktsar Sahib
- 31 in Ludhiana
- 27 in Hoshiarpur
- 25 in Jalandhar
- 23 in Khanna
- 19 in Bathinda
These campaigns focus on cyber bullying, sextortion, fake friendships, online grooming, and fraud on gaming platforms.
Leadership Statement on Cybersecurity Efforts
Director General of Police Gaurav Yadav said the crackdown has significantly disrupted organised cybercrime networks and improved financial recovery outcomes.
He highlighted that investigations have uncovered inter-state linkages, financial trails, and fraud techniques used by cybercriminal gangs.
Special DGP (Cyber Crime) V Neeraja added that the division is also focusing on public awareness, especially among youth, to prevent online scams and digital exploitation.
She emphasized that a combination of enforcement action and awareness campaigns forms the core strategy to strengthen digital safety across the state.
The large-scale cybercrime crackdown by the Punjab Police reflects a growing institutional push to combat digital fraud in India. With thousands of bank accounts frozen, crores of rupees recovered, and widespread awareness campaigns, authorities are strengthening both enforcement and prevention strategies to protect citizens from evolving cyber threats.
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