Mumbai ATM Cash-Trapping Scam Busted: Three Arrested in Bhandup

Mumbai Police have uncovered an ATM cash-trapping fraud in Bhandup, where a gang allegedly used a plastic strip to prevent cash from being dispensed and later collected the trapped money.

Police have arrested three people in connection with the case, including the alleged main accused and two women suspected of assisting in the operation.

The investigation began after several ATM users reported that money had been deducted from their bank accounts, but cash was not received from the machine.

Bank Complaint Leads to Investigation

The case was registered after a complaint from a 37-year-old branch manager of Bank of Baroda in Bhandup.

According to police, the bank’s ATM at Sachdev Complex received multiple complaints from customers who experienced failed cash withdrawals despite successful debit transactions.

Following the complaints, Bhandup Police registered a case under relevant sections of the Bharatiya Nyaya Sanhita (BNS) and launched an investigation to identify those responsible.

CCTV Footage Exposes Fraud Technique

During the investigation, police reviewed CCTV recordings from the ATM location and allegedly identified the method used by the suspects.

Investigators said the accused inserted a thin grey plastic strip into the ATM’s cash outlet before customers attempted withdrawals.

Because of the obstruction, the currency notes reportedly remained stuck inside the dispenser instead of being released. Customers, assuming the machine had malfunctioned, allegedly left the ATM without receiving money.

Police said the accused would then return after the customer left and remove the trapped cash.

The CCTV footage reportedly helped investigators identify the movements of the suspects and understand their alleged roles in the fraud.

Alleged Mastermind Arrested, Items Recovered

Based on technical evidence and CCTV analysis, police arrested 21-year-old Mohammad Ziyad alias Ayan Irshad Ahmed, who has been identified as the alleged mastermind behind the operation.

During further investigation, police also identified two women allegedly connected with the case — 45-year-old Arifa Azeem Dukandar and 24-year-old Namira Azeem Dukandar.

Police said notices have been issued to both women under Section 35(3) of the Bharatiya Nagarik Suraksha Sanhita (BNSS) while the investigation continues.

Authorities have recovered property worth approximately ₹1.29 lakh, including a motorcycle valued at around ₹80,000, a mobile phone, cash of ₹39,500, and the plastic strip allegedly used in the ATM fraud.

Police Warn ATM Users Against Cash-Trapping Scams

Mumbai Police have advised citizens to remain alert while conducting ATM transactions and immediately report suspicious situations.

Customers have been advised to:

• Confirm that cash has actually been received after completing a withdrawal.
• Contact their bank immediately if money is deducted but cash is not dispensed.
• Avoid accepting help from unknown persons near ATMs.
• Report damaged or suspicious ATM machines to authorities.

Officials said the investigation is ongoing to determine whether the arrested individuals were involved in similar fraud cases at other ATM locations.

Police are also examining whether additional members may be linked to the alleged network.