Punjab Police freezes 63,749 cyber fraud-linked bank accounts, recover Rs 64 crore since 2024
Babushahi Bureau
Chandigarh, June 26, 2026: Punjab Police’s State Cyber Crime Division has frozen 63,749 bank accounts linked to cyber fraud involving transactions worth over ₹540.34 crore during the past year, while recovering and refunding nearly ₹64 crore to victims since 2024.
Sharing the details, Director General of Police (DGP) Gaurav Yadav said the timely freezing of suspect bank accounts has prevented cybercriminals from siphoning off stolen funds, disrupted organised fraud networks and significantly improved the recovery of victims’ money.
Since January 1, 2025, the division has recovered ₹38.42 crore, while 62,253 cybercrime cases have been registered across Punjab. The percentage of fraud proceeds successfully frozen has also increased from 16.13 per cent to 23.43 per cent over the last financial year.
DGP Yadav said investigations have exposed organised cybercrime networks by tracking their financial trails, operational methods and inter-state linkages using advanced technology and financial analysis.
Among the districts, Jalandhar Commissionerate recorded the highest number of frozen accounts at 16,032, followed by Kapurthala (7,344), Hoshiarpur (7,201) and Ferozepur (6,930).
Highlighting a recent breakthrough, he said the Cyber Crime Division solved a cyber extortion case involving a Canada-based Punjabi victim. Three accused were arrested, while police recovered ₹3.49 lakh, 500 USD, 29 mobile phones, a laptop, a tablet, a dongle and other digital evidence.
Special DGP (Cyber Crime) V. Neeraja said Punjab Police is following a twin strategy of strict enforcement and mass awareness to combat cybercrime. The department has conducted awareness campaigns across the state to educate citizens about online scams, cyber bullying, sextortion, fake social media friendships and gaming-related frauds.
She said the combined enforcement and awareness initiatives reflect Punjab Police’s commitment to safeguarding citizens’ savings and strengthening trust in digital transactions across the state.