Punjab Police Uncovers Major Cyber Fraud Network, Arrests Four Suspects

The Punjab Police have successfully dismantled a significant cyber fraud network, arresting four individuals involved in a scheme that exploited mule accounts to defraud thousands across India. With the recovery of nearly ₹11 lakh in cash and various banking tools, authorities are investigating further to uncover the masterminds behind this operation. The police have urged citizens to remain vigilant against such scams and report any suspicious activities. This operation highlights the ongoing battle against cybercrime and the importance of public awareness in preventing financial fraud.

By Narendra Chaudhary Aug 21, 2025, 23:38 IST

Punjab Police Takes Down Cyber Fraud Operation

In a significant crackdown on cyber-related financial crimes, the Punjab Police's State Cyber Crime Wing has dismantled an extensive inter-state network of mule accounts that defrauded numerous individuals across India, resulting in losses amounting to crores of rupees.

Authorities apprehended four individuals and seized ₹10.96 lakh in cash, along with nine mobile devices, a laptop, 32 debit cards, 10 SIM cards, 15 bank passbooks, and a cheque book.

Punjab's Director General of Police, Gaurav Yadav, stated that the gang utilized hundreds of mule accounts to transfer illicit funds overseas through cryptocurrency platforms. These accounts were primarily obtained from economically disadvantaged individuals in exchange for minimal payments, facilitating the layering and transfer of crime proceeds, which were subsequently sent abroad via crypto exchanges such as Binance and DCX.

The suspects have been identified as Gautam (23), Ehsas (24), and Akash (20), all from Amritsar, and Anmol (21) from Fazilka. Police reports indicate that Anmol was a full-time mule account operator, while Gautam was unemployed, Ehsas managed a hotel on contract in Amritsar, and Akash had a brief stint in a company before joining the scheme.

Special DGP for Cyber Crime, V Neeraja, noted that the investigation commenced after the Indian Cyber Crime Coordination Centre (I4C) provided data analysis on over 6,000 mule accounts involved in cyber fraud bank transfers. Following hotspot analysis, the Punjab Cyber Crime Police filed an FIR against 300 mule accounts associated with Punjab Gramin Bank, eventually tracing 100 of these accounts to Abohar.

The investigation revealed that the suspects were part of several Telegram-based cyber fraud groups, with administrators believed to be operating from South-East Asia. The leaders trained local operators on converting illicit Indian currency into cryptocurrency. Anmol from Abohar was identified as a key supplier, dispatching mule kits via courier to associates in Amritsar. The operatives activated internet banking on these accounts and facilitated fund transfers for a commission ranging from 10% to 20%.

All four suspects are currently in police custody, and further investigations are ongoing to identify the masterminds both in India and abroad. Authorities are also looking into the potential involvement of bank officials in the operation. The Punjab Police has advised citizens to remain cautious and refrain from sharing their bank account details or SIM cards in exchange for money or job offers, as these details can be exploited in cyber frauds. They urged individuals to report any suspicious activities immediately to the nearest District Cyber Crime Police Station. Victims of cyber fraud are encouraged to contact Helpline 1930 promptly, as timely reporting can help prevent further fraudulent transactions and safeguard their finances.