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.

New Delhi: The legal troubles surrounding the insolvency proceedings of now-grounded airline Go First have intensified after Ernakulam Police registered an FIR against the company’s former board of directors, an unnamed official of the Directorate General of Civil Aviation (DGCA), travel booking platforms EaseMyTrip and Cleartrip, and the airline’s Resolution Professional.

The FIR, filed on July 9, relates to allegations of cheating and criminal breach of trust connected with ticket bookings made after Go First had begun its insolvency process. The case was registered under relevant provisions of the Bharatiya Nyaya Sanhita (BNS), including sections related to breach of trust, cheating, and fraudulent conduct.

The action follows an order from the Chief Judicial Magistrate Court in Ernakulam based on a complaint filed by aviation safety activist and advocate Yeshwant Shenoy. The complaint alleged that ticket sales continued despite the airline’s decision to seek voluntary insolvency, potentially causing financial losses to passengers.

Allegations Over Ticket Sales During Insolvency Process

According to the complaint, Go First’s board approved the decision to initiate insolvency proceedings on April 28, 2023. Shareholders later approved the move during an Extraordinary General Meeting on April 30, and the airline approached the National Company Law Tribunal (NCLT) on May 2, 2023.

However, the complaint claims that ticket bookings continued until May 10, allowing passengers to purchase tickets for flights that were later cancelled after the airline suspended operations.

Those named in the FIR include former chairman Nusli Neville Wadia, director Ness Nusli Wadia, former CEO Kaushik Khona, other former board members, an unidentified DGCA official, online travel companies EaseMyTrip and Cleartrip, and Resolution Professional Shailendra Ajmera.

Passenger Claims Financial Loss

The complainant stated that he personally suffered a loss of ₹64,000 after booking Kochi-Mumbai flight tickets for family members and friends on the same day Go First filed its insolvency application.

He alleged that despite raising concerns with the aviation regulator, action to stop advance bookings was taken only on May 10 following intervention by the Kerala High Court.

The complaint further alleges that the DGCA was aware of Go First’s financial difficulties but failed to take timely steps to protect passengers. It referred to previous regulatory actions involving financially distressed airlines, including restrictions placed on advance bookings during earlier crises.

Dispute Over Scale of Passenger Losses

The complaint has also questioned the reported financial impact on passengers. Go First had stated that around 4,118 flights were cancelled in April 2023, affecting nearly 77,500 passengers.

While media reports estimated passenger-related claims at approximately ₹900 crore, the complainant argued that the actual amount collected from passengers could have been significantly higher, alleging that bookings continued for additional days despite the airline’s financial situation.

The FIR alleges that the accused parties may have caused financial harm to passengers while benefiting from continued ticket transactions despite the airline’s expected operational shutdown.

Investigation to Examine Records and Communications

The police investigation is expected to examine various documents, including board decisions, communications between Go First and regulatory authorities, booking details, payment records, and the role of online travel platforms in processing ticket sales.

The probe will also look into whether adequate disclosures and warnings were provided to passengers during the period between the insolvency decision and the suspension of bookings.

Experts Highlight Need for Stronger Consumer Protection

Cybercrime and digital fraud experts have noted that while the case primarily involves corporate and regulatory issues, online platforms handling consumer payments must maintain strict compliance standards during periods of financial uncertainty.

Experts have stressed the importance of timely coordination between regulators, airlines, payment providers, and booking platforms to ensure passengers are informed quickly and protected from avoidable losses.

The matter is currently under investigation. The allegations mentioned in the FIR remain unproven, and no court has established guilt against any of the individuals or organisations named in the case.

New Delhi: Cyber-enabled financial crimes have witnessed a sharp rise across India, with more than 12.71 lakh complaints of financial fraud reported during the first six months of 2026, according to data reviewed by the Union Ministry of Home Affairs (MHA).

Between January 1 and June 30, 2026, victims reported alleged financial losses exceeding ₹10,178 crore due to various forms of online fraud. The figures highlight the growing challenge posed by cybercriminal networks that are increasingly using advanced technology and psychological manipulation to target individuals.

A review meeting conducted under the Ministry of Home Affairs examined the nationwide cybercrime situation, including complaint trends, financial losses, and recovery efforts. The data showed that Uttar Pradesh recorded the highest number of cyber fraud complaints, while Maharashtra reported the largest monetary losses.

Uttar Pradesh Leads in Complaint Numbers

According to state-wise figures, Uttar Pradesh registered nearly 1.85 lakh cyber fraud complaints during the six-month period, making it the state with the highest number of reported cases.

Maharashtra followed with around 1.58 lakh complaints, while Karnataka recorded 1.21 lakh cases. Gujarat reported 97,937 complaints and Bihar registered 93,137 cases.

Other states with significant complaint numbers included Rajasthan with 75,883 cases, West Bengal with 72,439, Delhi with 64,496, Tamil Nadu with 63,116, and Haryana with 58,721 complaints.

Despite having fewer complaints than Uttar Pradesh, Maharashtra suffered the highest reported financial damage, with losses estimated at ₹1,637.66 crore. Karnataka followed with ₹1,097.37 crore in losses, while Tamil Nadu reported ₹897.79 crore.

Uttar Pradesh recorded losses of ₹734.19 crore, Gujarat reported ₹643.82 crore, Chandigarh ₹630.53 crore, and Telangana ₹614.18 crore.

Digital Arrest and Investment Scams Among Major Threats

The data reflects the increasing use of sophisticated fraud methods, including digital arrest scams, fake investment schemes, phishing attacks, fraudulent loan applications, identity theft, and malicious links shared through messaging platforms and social media.

Cyber investigators have observed that criminals are combining technical tools with social engineering tactics to manipulate victims into revealing sensitive information or transferring money.

Experts say fraud networks are becoming more organised, often operating through multiple layers involving fake identities, mule bank accounts, and coordinated online operations.

Banking Intervention Helps Block Nearly ₹3,000 Crore

Authorities reported that out of the total complaints received during the six-month period, approximately 2.86 lakh cases were referred for banking intervention.

Banks processed nearly 2.70 lakh complaints through the Citizen Financial Cyber Fraud Reporting and Management System. During this period, financial institutions placed holds or liens on approximately ₹2,968.85 crore of the reported fraud amount.

The intervention helped block nearly 29 percent of the total reported losses, though recovering funds after fraudulent transfers remain a major challenge.

Long-Term Losses Highlight Growing Cybercrime Challenge

The broader trend shows the scale of India’s cyber financial crime problem. From 2021 to May 2026, citizens reported cybercrime-related financial losses exceeding ₹64,447 crore.

During this period, banks managed to freeze around ₹10,718 crore, but only about ₹323 crore was reportedly returned to victims, underlining the difficulties involved in tracking stolen funds and bringing criminals to justice.

Experts Call for Stronger Cyber Awareness and Coordination

Cybersecurity experts have warned that criminals are increasingly focusing on human vulnerabilities rather than relying only on technical loopholes.

Former IPS officer and cybercrime expert Prof. Triveni Singh said organised cybercrime groups are expanding their operations through methods such as investment fraud, fake banking calls, digital arrest scams, and identity-based deception.

He emphasised the need for improved public awareness, faster reporting of fraud incidents, stronger coordination between banks and law enforcement agencies, and real-time sharing of cyber threat intelligence.

Officials and experts believe that improving digital literacy, strengthening banking security systems, accelerating fund-freezing procedures, and enhancing cooperation between states will be essential to control the growing threat of online financial crime.