Who Were the 2 ATM Card Swappers Arrested in Delhi?

Synopsis
In a daring crackdown, Delhi police apprehended two fraudsters for ATM card-swapping schemes targeting vulnerable seniors. With the capture of 41 stolen cards, authorities are unraveling a web of deceit across the capital. This incident sheds light on the ongoing battle against financial crime, emphasizing the need for vigilance among the elderly.
Key Takeaways
- Two individuals arrested for ATM card-swapping fraud.
- 41 stolen cards seized from the suspects.
- Targeted elderly and vulnerable ATM users.
- Involved in multiple previous crimes across regions.
- Emphasis on community awareness to combat financial fraud.
New Delhi, May 26 (NationPress) A mechanic from Ghaziabad and a dairy owner have been taken into custody in the Shahdara district of east Delhi for their participation in fraudulent ATM card-swapping schemes aimed at senior citizens, a spokesperson from the Crime Branch disclosed on Monday.
Asif (25) and Talib, also known as Kallu (25), both hailing from Loni, were apprehended while riding a stolen scooter, according to police reports, who also recovered 41 cards from the suspects.
The police explained that the duo had crafted a clever scheme to target unsuspecting ATM users, particularly elderly individuals or those who appeared disoriented. One of them would approach the victim under the pretext of assisting with the ATM, while secretly observing the victim's PIN entry.
“At the right moment, they would replace the genuine debit card with a counterfeit or previously stolen card. With the correct PIN and an authentic card in hand, they would swiftly visit various ATMs to withdraw cash. Their use of a stolen scooter enabled quick movement between ATM sites, allowing them to evade capture,” stated Deputy Commissioner of Police (Crime Branch) Vikram Singh.
Authorities noted that the duo had been implicated in at least 15 prior crimes across Uttar Pradesh’s Loni, Ghaziabad, and Bijnor, along with a minimum of three cases in Delhi.
Their arrests have facilitated the resolution of cases related to vehicle theft, fraud, and theft in regions including Krishna Nagar, Buraru, and Kalyanpuri, as reported by law enforcement.
Asif, who completed the 12th grade, operates a milk dairy in Loni, while Talib, a 10th-grade graduate, works as a car mechanic, according to police.
The DCP added that on May 23, ASI Satender received reliable information that the notorious fraudsters — Asif and Talib — were planning to travel to the Shahdara-Maujpur area on a stolen scooter to execute another scam.
A task force comprising SI Shailender Tiwari, ASI Satender, HC Surjeet, and HC Chander Pratap was promptly assembled under the leadership of Inspector Sunil Kundu and overall oversight of ACP Yashpal Singh, as per police reports.
A trap was set on Kardampuri Nala Road behind Ambedkar College, leading to their capture, stated DCP Vikram Singh.
During questioning, both suspects confessed to targeting the elderly and 'digitally illiterate' ATM users.
“They acknowledged their involvement in multiple incidents of card swapping, unauthorized cash withdrawals, and illegal purchases using the stolen debit cards. Surveillance footage has been collected showcasing their criminal activities, including one at a PNB ATM in Kalyanpuri and another at a shoe store in Burari,” he noted.