Mangaluru: The Dakshina Kannada Cyber, Economic and Narcotics (CEN) Police have arrested a 32-year-old man for allegedly facilitating cyber fraud by supplying bank accounts used to launder money obtained through online scams. The accused, identified as Zubair (32), a resident of Kudthamogeru in Kolnadu, was arrested in connection with a ‘digital arrest’ cyber fraud case registered at the Dakshina Kannada CEN Police Station.
Case registered under IT Act and BNS
The case has been registered under Sections 66(C) and 66(D) of the Information Technology Act, 2008, along with Sections 126(2), 308(6), 318(4), 319(2) and 3(5) of the Bharatiya Nyaya Sanhita (BNS).
According to the police, the investigation relates to a ‘digital arrest’ scam, a form of cyber fraud in which victims are deceived into believing they are under investigation by law enforcement agencies and coerced into transferring money.
Bank accounts allegedly used for laundering fraud proceeds
Police alleged that Zubair procured bank accounts from members of the public and allowed them to be used for transactions involving money generated through cyber fraud. Investigators believe the accounts were used to channel and launder funds obtained through online scams.
Following his arrest, Zubair was produced before the jurisdictional court, which remanded him to judicial custody.
The investigation is continuing to determine the extent of his involvement and to identify other individuals who may have been associated with the alleged operation.
Linked to multiple criminal cases
During the course of the investigation, police found that Zubair is also an accused in four other criminal cases registered at various police stations across Karnataka, including the Vittal Police Station.
Investigators further revealed that he had allegedly been absconding in connection with those cases and had failed to appear before courts despite pending proceedings. Police said he had been evading arrest for a considerable period.
Officials are examining whether the accused was part of a larger network involved in providing bank accounts for cybercriminals engaged in financial fraud.
Investigation continues
Police are continuing their investigation to trace the flow of money and identify other bank accounts that may have been used in the alleged cyber fraud network. They have reiterated their appeal to the public not to share or rent out their bank accounts, debit cards or banking credentials to others, as doing so can facilitate financial crimes and attract legal action.
Authorities have also advised citizens to remain alert against ‘digital arrest’ scams and verify the identity of anyone claiming to represent law enforcement or government agencies before making any financial transactions.