Search operations by the Enforcement Directorate on December 01, 2025 exposed a major cyber fraud case in Muzaffarpur, after investigators found that around Rs. 1.29 crore was illegally withdrawn from two savings accounts at a Punjab National Bank branch on Jawaharlal Road. The searches were carried out at four locations and form part of a wider probe into cyber fraud and money laundering. Officials confirmed that key documents and digital evidence linked to the fraud were seized during the action.
The investigation into the cyber fraud was initiated based on two FIRs filed by Bihar Police at the Town Police Station, Muzaffarpur, under provisions of the Indian Penal Code 1860. These offences fall under scheduled offences of the Prevention of Money Laundering Act 2002, allowing the central agency to take over the fraud probe. During the searches, bank balances worth about Rs. 83 lakh suspected to be proceeds of cyber fraud were identified and frozen, while officials said the investigation remains ongoing.
Preliminary findings show that the fraud involved two PNB savings accounts. About Rs. 1.07 crore was siphoned from one account and nearly Rs. 22.40 lakh from the other, taking the total fraud amount to around Rs. 1.29 crore. The stolen funds were moved through multiple accounts using a layering process, a common tactic in organised cyber fraud cases to make tracking difficult and delay detection by banks and authorities.
The ED found that the cyber fraud was executed through SIM swapping and manipulation of online banking systems. Fraudsters took control of mobile numbers linked to the accounts using forged identity documents and obtained duplicate SIM cards. Once access was secured, internet banking was fraudulently activated through customer service calls, enabling unauthorised transfers. A significant portion of the fraud money was later withdrawn from ATMs in Kolkata and redeposited using Cash Deposit Machines to further hide the trail. Officials said more individuals and possible interstate links connected to the cyber fraud are under examination and further action may follow as the probe progresses.
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