How Did Karnataka Police Uncover a Cyber Crime Gang?

Synopsis
Key Takeaways
- Karnataka police successfully dismantled a cyber crime gang.
- One suspect was arrested and Rs 18 crore was frozen.
- The gang siphoned off a total of Rs 150 crore.
- Public awareness is crucial in combating cyber crime.
- Victims can recover funds lost to online fraud.
Davanagere (Karnataka), Oct 11 (NationPress) - Authorities in Karnataka have successfully dismantled a cyber criminal gang responsible for embezzling Rs 150 crore in the city of Davanagere and have apprehended one suspect on Saturday, according to police reports. Additionally, they have frozen Rs 18 crore linked to the case.
Initial investigations indicate that between July 27 and August 19, a total of Rs 150 crore was deposited into the bank account of the detained suspect, Syed Arafat, 28, from Shantinagar in Belur taluk of Hassan district. The gang managed to withdraw Rs 132 crore, leaving Rs 18 crore under police freeze.
A search is now underway for two additional suspects. The investigation began after a complaint by H.N. Pramod, who reported that Rs 54.16 lakh had been illicitly taken from his account in a reputable bank.
A specialized team, led by Dy SP of Davanagere Cyber Crime Police Station, Bankali Nagappa, was formed to delve into the matter. Using insights from the arrested individual, efforts are underway to capture the remaining two perpetrators.
Police discovered that the gang was implicated in cyber fraud cases across various locations including Ghaziabad (Uttar Pradesh), Srinagar (Jammu and Kashmir), Eluru (Andhra Pradesh), Mumbai (Maharashtra), Davanagere, and Bengaluru (Karnataka). Authorities suspect that this gang has been executing cyber crimes nationwide.
Davanagere District SP Uma Prashanth commended the police team for their diligent work in solving the case.
In a statement to IANS, SP Uma Prashanth remarked, "Consistent follow-up and technical analysis led to the arrest. The suspect is from Hassan district, and we successfully caught him."
She also emphasized the ongoing Cyber Crime Awareness Month, stating, "We are taking measures to inform the public about cyber crimes. Awareness is vital, as 90% of cyber crime victims are educated individuals. Adopting safety measures and responsible technology use is essential. Although last year saw an increase in digital fraud, this year we've seen a decline."
"It is a misconception that money lost to online fraud is permanently lost. While challenges exist, our skilled detectives are adept at tracking such cases. We have been able to recover funds in cyber crime cases and have arrested the suspect. Our commitment remains strong, as the culprits often operate through private networks, sometimes crossing state or even international borders. The police department is dedicated to this cause," she added.
SP Uma Prashanth also confirmed that the complainant, H.N. Pramod, will receive full reimbursement of Rs 54.16 lakh that was taken from his account.