Daijiworld Media Network – Mangaluru

Mangaluru, Jun 14: While cybercrime cases are on the rise across the country, an alarming trend is causing concern — the bank accounts of innocent individuals, traders, and entrepreneurs are being frozen or marked with a lien despite having no connection to any criminal activity. Thousands across the state are reportedly affected by this, leading to severe financial stress.

Many innocent account holders are finding themselves unable to carry out even basic transactions, forcing them to run from one cybercrime police station to another to unfreeze their accounts. From major entrepreneurs to small vendors like tender coconut sellers, even minor financial transactions are being halted, leading to widespread anxiety and fear over banking.

When a cybercrime occurs, complaints are usually registered via the national helpline 1930 or directly with cybercrime police stations. In such cases, the bank accounts where the fraudulently transferred money lands are identified, and all linked accounts are either frozen or marked with a lien — which means the suspicious amount is withheld. Unfortunately, many innocent people are getting caught in this process.

Cybercriminals often attempt to convert black money to white by routing it through multiple accounts, including those of common citizens, traders, and businesspeople. Sometimes, they misuse bank account details leaked in data breaches, conducting transactions through anonymous accounts. Once a complaint is registered, all these accounts — even those of unaware individuals — get frozen or seized.

Once an account is frozen, cybercrime police send the account details to the respective banks. Innocent account holders must then approach the cybercrime station in the jurisdiction where the crime occurred — whether Delhi, Mumbai, or Bengaluru — and present documents to prove their innocence. Only after convincing the investigating officer will the police issue a written notice to the bank to lift the freeze or lien. This process can take several months or even years. If the account is seized, the matter must be resolved in court.

Several account holders have alleged that the process of unfreezing or correcting bank accounts has paved the way for corruption. In some cases, it is reported that certain bank officials have demanded bribes in exchange for resolving the issue quickly.

“I was recently unable to withdraw money from my bank account in Mangaluru. The bank informed me that a lien had been placed. When I approached the cybercrime station, I was told I needed to get clearance to lift it. The police are asking for documents. Why should I suffer for someone else’s crime?” lamented a Mangaluru-based trader and bank customer.

“If a bank account is frozen or marked with a lien, the account holder must first contact their bank. The bank will provide the related crime number, investigating officer's address, phone number, and email. The individual must then reach out to the officer via email or phone to explain their innocence. Alternatively, they can approach the nearest cybercrime police station for guidance,” said M P Satheesh, inspector, Mangaluru central crime police station.