In a significant crackdown, the Delhi Police have apprehended two individuals involved in a sophisticated ATM fraud operation in the capital's south-west district. The accused employed a method of jamming cash-dispensing shutters to steal money from unsuspecting customers.
How the ATM Fraud Was Executed
The modus operandi of the accused involved tampering with ATM machines using specially designed metallic clips. These ATM jamming devices were used to block the cash outlet shutter. When customers attempted to withdraw money, the transaction would be successfully processed and the amount debited from their bank accounts. However, the cash would remain trapped inside the machine due to the jammed shutter. The fraudsters would later return to the compromised ATM and retrieve the trapped cash.
The Arrest and Key Recoveries
The breakthrough came on January 1, when a police team from the Kishangarh police station was on routine patrol. Officers noticed a man behaving suspiciously in the Kishangarh area. Upon spotting the police, the man tried to flee but was swiftly caught.
During a search, a country-made pistol was recovered from his possession. The arrested individual was identified as Salman. During interrogation, he confessed to his involvement in multiple incidents of ATM fraud and revealed the identity of an associate who allegedly supplied him with the illegal weapon.
Acting on this crucial information, the police arrested the co-accused. From him, they recovered two live cartridges. The total haul from the arrests included:
- 1 country-made pistol
- 2 live cartridges
- Rs 12,700 in cash
- 4 ATM jamming devices
- 1 screwdriver used to tamper with ATM shutters
Police Statement and Public Advisory
Deputy Commissioner of Police (south-west) Amit Goel provided details of the operation, confirming the sequence of events that led to the arrests. The police have highlighted this case to warn the public about such emerging techniques used to commit financial crimes.
The incident underscores the risks associated with ATM fraud where customers lose money despite a successful transaction prompt. Authorities advise users to be vigilant and to immediately report any ATM malfunction or suspected tampering to their bank and the police.
