Major Cybercrime Crackdown in Karnataka: Rs 82 Crore Fraud Syndicate Dismantled
In a significant operation against organized cybercrime, the Shivamogga Cyber, Economic Offences, and Narcotic (CEN) police have successfully dismantled a highly sophisticated 'mule account' syndicate operating across multiple states. This criminal network is alleged to have defrauded numerous victims throughout India of a staggering sum totaling approximately Rs 82 crore.
Key Arrests and Investigation Details
The police have apprehended three primary accused individuals who played crucial roles in this elaborate financial fraud scheme. The arrested persons have been identified as:
- RC Jagadish, 43, an electronics trader from Shivamogga
- Arshad, 39, a fish merchant from Chikkamagaluru
- T Ananth, 34, a marketing professional
The investigation was initiated following a formal complaint filed by a victim named Wilson on February 9. Superintendent of Police B Nikhil spearheaded the probe, which revealed that the accused employed deceptive tactics to recruit unsuspecting individuals. These recruits were lured with promises of commissions to open bank accounts, which were subsequently hijacked by the syndicate to channel illicit funds.
Technical Analysis and Evidence Recovery
Comprehensive technical analysis conducted during the investigation uncovered alarming connections to 352 criminal cases registered nationwide. These cases were directly linked to 15 specific mule accounts that were actively managed by this criminal gang. Through these compromised accounts, the syndicate facilitated transactions exceeding Rs 14.7 crore.
During the targeted operation led by CEN inspector Manjunath, authorities seized substantial evidence including:
- Two mobile phones used for coordination
- Eleven ATM cards for accessing funds
- Nine QR codes for digital transactions
- Fifteen SIM cards utilized in fraudulent activities
These items were instrumental in facilitating the complex web of fraudulent transactions that characterized this criminal enterprise.
Judicial Proceedings and Ongoing Investigation
The three primary accused have been remanded to judicial custody by a local court in Shivamogga. Superintendent of Police B Nikhil confirmed that the investigation remains active and ongoing, with authorities diligently working to identify and apprehend additional accomplices involved in this multi-state financial network.
The successful dismantling of this syndicate represents a significant victory for law enforcement against increasingly sophisticated cybercrime operations targeting financial systems across India.
