Mangaluru: A significant biometric fraud targeting the Aadhar Enabled Payment System (AEPS) has unfolded in Mangaluru, leading to financial losses for individuals with assets registered at the sub-registrar’s office. The police commissioner reveals ongoing efforts to apprehend the elusive mastermind behind the scam, shedding light on the intricate web of criminal activities.
Current Arrests and Confiscations:
City Police Commissioner Anupam Agarwal provides updates on the investigation, highlighting the arrest of three individuals from Bihar linked to the AEPS scam. These suspects are currently in judicial custody, and law enforcement has seized crucial evidence, including laptops and printers, from their possession. The arrests mark progress in unveiling the layers of the fraudulent operation.
Scale of Victim Impact:
Over 60 individuals have reported financial losses resulting from the AEPS scam, prompting the registration of 10 official complaints. The widespread impact underscores the need for a comprehensive investigation to bring all culprits involved in the biometric fraud to justice. The victims’ plight emphasizes the urgency of resolving the case and preventing further harm.
Modus Operandi and Biometric Scam Teams:
Details emerge about the intricate modus operandi employed by the fraudsters. The elusive mastermind orchestrates the extraction of data from the Cauvery-2.0 software, a critical component of the sub-registrar’s office. The pilfered data is then transmitted to other teams, primarily operating from Bihar. The AEPS system serves as the conduit for transferring ill-gotten gains, highlighting the sophisticated nature of the biometric scam.
Scope Beyond Local Jurisdiction:
The investigation reveals the expansive scope of the biometric scam, with three to four teams of individuals from Bihar implicated. The mastermind’s ability to access and exploit data extends beyond Mangaluru, encompassing other states. Coordination efforts involve alerting law enforcement agencies in various districts of Karnataka, as well as police authorities in Andhra Pradesh and Tamil Nadu.
Challenges in Apprehending Mastermind:
The police commissioner acknowledges the challenges in apprehending the mastermind behind the AEPS scam. The criminal’s ability to remain elusive poses a significant hurdle, requiring a coordinated effort across jurisdictions to track and bring the prime suspect to justice. The pursuit of the mastermind remains a priority to ensure accountability for the financial losses incurred by victims.
Collaborative Approach and Outreach:
Law enforcement’s collaborative approach involves dispatching letters to police stations in other districts of Karnataka, Andhra Pradesh, and Tamil Nadu. The outreach aims to raise awareness and facilitate cooperation in tackling the biometric scam. Collaboration across state borders becomes imperative to dismantle the entire network of criminals involved in the sophisticated operation.
The AEPS biometric fraud in Mangaluru exposes a multifaceted criminal enterprise with far-reaching consequences for victims. As law enforcement grapples with the challenges of tracking down the elusive mastermind, the ongoing arrests signify progress in dismantling the operation. The case underscores the importance of collaboration, outreach, and a relentless pursuit of justice to bring all perpetrators to account and prevent future instances of biometric fraud.
