Over Rs 5-cr transactions in 6 months—how police traced 12 accounts linked to cyber fraud

In a major breakthrough against cybercriminals, the state Cyber Crime police have traced 12 bank accounts suspected of being used in large-scale online fraud. These are among 91 suspected accounts identified across the state. All 12 accounts were opened at a Kotak Mahindra Bank branch in Sector 12, Karnal.

One of these accounts recorded suspicious transactions of over Rs 5 crore within just six months. The account was opened in the name of a fruit and vegetable trading business. As many as 14 complaints were filed against this account on the National Cyber Crime Portal (NCRP), including one from Haryana.

Though the account documents showed an annual turnover of Rs 20 lakh, police investigations revealed transactions almost 30 times higher, raising concerns. Pulkit Bhardwaj, a resident of Sant Nagar, Karnal, has been booked in connection with the case under Section 318(4) of the BNS, confirmed SP Ganga Ram Punia.

The police suspect the account was used to launder money collected through cyber scams nationwide. The accounts were traced after a complaint was filed under the directions of senior officials. Investigations revealed that between November 6, 2024, and May 22, 2025, transactions worth Rs 5,70,48,200 flowed into the accounts, of which Rs 5,70,44,822 was withdrawn, leaving just Rs 3,377.

Documents seized include account opening forms, KYC records, bank statements, blank cheques, and ATM cards, which are now under forensic examination. The police have also tracked the mobile numbers and email IDs used to operate these accounts and are working to establish the identities of those behind them.

“The account holders projected themselves as small traders to deceive banks and the authorities. The scale of transactions indicates an organised cybercrime syndicate,” said a senior police official.