Cyber fraud arrests in Karnataka linked to Rs 82 crore and 352 complaints

Karnataka Police said three people were arrested over cyber fraud cases tied to Rs 82 crore and 352 complaints nationwide. Investigators allege Jagadish C took control of a complainant’s bank account and moved funds by impersonation. Police froze 15 bank accounts, through which Rs 14.71 crore was routed, and seized devices and cards.

Police in Karnataka said three people were arrested over cyber fraud linked to more than Rs 82 crore. Investigators connected the case to 352 complaints filed across India. The accused were booked by the cybercrime police station under Section 66D of the Information Technology Act. Police also added Sections 3184 and 3192 of the BNS.

Police said a court sent the three accused to judicial custody after their production. Officers said the probe continued to find other suspects who were still absconding. As part of the action, police froze 15 bank accounts allegedly used for illegal transfers. The frozen accounts were linked to complaints registered nationwide.

Cyber fraud case: Accounts frozen and money trail

Police said more than Rs 14.71 crore was routed through the 15 accounts. Investigators linked these accounts to over 352 fraud complaints filed across the country. Police said the overall cheating amount stood at Rs 82 crore. Officers said the accounts were used to move funds through unauthorised transactions.

During searches, police said they seized devices and other items tied to the suspected fraud. The seized material included two mobile phones and 11 ATM cards. Police also recovered nine QR code scanners and 15 Airtel SIM cards. Officers said these items were taken from the three accused.

Cyber fraud case: Accused identified by Karnataka Police

Karnataka Police named the prime accused as 43-year-old Jagadish C. Police said Jagadish lived in Sharadamma Compound in Sharavathi Nagar, Shivamogga. Investigators said Jagadish ran an electronics business. Police also identified two others as Arshad, 39, and Ananth T, 34.

Police said Arshad was a fish trader from Shankarpura in Chikkamagaluru. Police said Ananth T was a marketing professional from Hosamane in Shivamogga. Officers said the three were arrested in connection with the wider set of cyber fraud complaints. Police said the case involved alleged misuse of bank accounts for transfers.

Cyber fraud case: Alleged impersonation and bank account control

According to police, Jagadish allegedly approached a complainant named Wilson with an offer of commission. Police said Jagadish persuaded Wilson to open a bank account. Investigators said Jagadish later took control of the account. Police said Jagadish then impersonated the complainant to transfer large sums.

Police said the arrests were part of a broader investigation into online cheating complaints reported nationwide. Officers said the frozen accounts and seized items were key to tracking transactions. Police said the three accused remained in judicial custody. Investigators said efforts were continuing to trace other absconding suspects.

With inputs from PTI