Patna: A businessman from Kankarbagh in Patna has alleged that cyber criminals misused his bank account to route suspicious transactions worth ₹1.14 crore after luring him to Kolkata with the promise of arranging a business loan. According to the complaint, the accused allegedly stole his mobile phone, which was linked to his bank account, and used it to facilitate high-value financial transactions. Within 48 hours, the money was transferred to multiple bank accounts and withdrawn. Besides this case, Patna Police are also investigating three separate cyber fraud complaints involving a combined loss of ₹20.95 lakh.
According to the victim, he came into contact with a man identified as Adil, who claimed to represent a private financial company and offered to arrange a business loan on attractive terms. After gaining the businessman’s confidence through repeated interactions, Adil allegedly persuaded him to travel to Kolkata to complete the loan formalities.
The complainant said both of them stayed in the same hotel, where his mobile phone, linked to his bank account, went missing. The phone was reportedly recovered four days later. When he checked his bank account, he discovered that ₹1.14 crore had been credited and subsequently transferred to multiple accounts within 48 hours.
The businessman suspects cyber criminals used his account as a “money mule” account to channel funds obtained through cyber fraud before dispersing them across several accounts to conceal the money trail. He has lodged complaints with the Kasba Police Station and the cyber crime cell in Kolkata.
Investigators are examining banking records, transaction trails, digital evidence, mobile data, and the beneficiary accounts to identify those involved. Police are also probing whether the accused are part of an organised cyber crime syndicate operating across multiple states.
Meanwhile, three additional cyber fraud cases reported in Patna have highlighted the growing threat of online financial crimes.
In one case, a woman residing in Rukanpura alleged that ₹11.35 lakh was withdrawn from her bank account without sharing any OTP or confidential banking information. She became aware of the fraud only after receiving transaction alerts on her mobile phone. Investigators are trying to determine how the fraudsters gained unauthorised access to her account.
In another incident, an elderly resident of New Mahavir Colony received a phone call from an unidentified person claiming to assist with a pension card. The caller allegedly obtained banking details and persuaded the victim to download a mobile application and follow certain on-screen instructions. Shortly after complying, the victim reportedly lost ₹7 lakh from his account.
A third complaint was filed by a resident of Shahpura, who reported an unauthorised withdrawal of ₹1.60 lakh from his bank account. Police have registered separate cases in all three incidents and are examining digital evidence and financial transaction records.
Renowned cyber crime expert and former IPS officer Prof. Triveni Singh said cyber criminals are increasingly using unsuspecting individuals’ bank accounts as money mule accounts to transfer and layer illicit funds, making it difficult for investigators to trace the original source of the money. He advised citizens never to share access to their bank accounts, mobile phones, SIM cards, or internet banking credentials with strangers and to remain cautious of loan offers or financial proposals from unknown individuals.
He also urged people to report suspicious financial transactions immediately through the National Cyber Crime Helpline (1930) or the National Cyber Crime Reporting Portal, as prompt reporting significantly improves the chances of tracing funds and preventing further losses.
Police said investigations in all the cases are underway. Authorities are analysing banking transactions, digital evidence, mobile records, and communication data to identify the cyber crime network. Officials added that appropriate legal action will be taken under the relevant provisions of the Information Technology Act and the Bharatiya Nyaya Sanhita (BNS) once sufficient evidence is collected.
About the author — Suvedita Nath is a science student with a growing interest in cybercrime and digital safety. She writes on online activity, cyber threats, and technology-driven risks. Her work focuses on clarity, accuracy, and public awareness.
