Lucknow: An Air Force veteran was allegedly duped of over Rs 22.75 lakh in a cryptocurrency-based cyber fraud involving multiple unauthorised transactions from his bank accounts and UPI-linked wallets. The victim fell prey to an online scam that promised high returns and bonus incentives on cryptocurrency investments. The complainant detailed a series of fraudulent debits from his savings bank accounts between Jan 11 and Jan 17, 2026. These included Rss 7.5 lakh withdrawn from his account on Jan 13; Rs 5 lakh and Rs 2.74 lakh debited from his account on Jan 17; Rs 95,200 from his account on Jan 12; Rs 50,000 from another transaction on Jan 12; and Rs 65,000 from his account on Jan 11.
Explaining the modus operandi, the complainant stated that he was first contacted through a WhatsApp number. He was subsequently introduced to a person named Harwinder Sandhu on Telegram, who allegedly convinced him to invest in a cryptocurrency “bonus plan”. The accused reportedly assured investors of a 50% bonus on investments in various crypto coins and showcased screenshots of returns to gain credibility. Once the total investment, including bonuses, reached Rs 22,25,450, the scammers allegedly froze his wallet and demanded an additional Rs 7,74,550 as a “release charge”.
