Gadag: Authorities in Karnataka have dismantled a cyber fraud network accused of exploiting students by opening bank accounts in their names and using them to channel illicit funds. Five individuals have been arrested in connection with the case, police confirmed.

The operation, uncovered in Gadag district, involved the seizure of 11 mobile phones and eight “bank kits,” including passbooks, ATM cards, SIM cards, and online banking credentials.

Students Targeted With Scholarship Promise

Investigators revealed that the accused allegedly targeted students by offering assistance in securing government scholarships. Under this pretext, they persuaded students—particularly those staying in hostels—to open bank accounts.

Once the accounts were created, the suspects reportedly took control of all associated banking materials, including login details and SIM cards, effectively gaining full access.

Small Deposits Used to Build Trust

To avoid suspicion, the accused allegedly deposited around ₹2,000 into each account during the setup phase. This initial transaction was used to create legitimacy and reassure victims before the accounts were misused.

Police believe these accounts were later used as “mule accounts” to route money obtained from cyber fraud operations conducted across multiple regions.

Arrests Made During Goa Operation

The investigation began earlier this month and quickly led authorities to track the suspects’ movements to Goa. Police intercepted the group while they were allegedly attempting to hand over collected bank kits to other members of the network.

The main accused—identified as Raja (23) and Vakdoth Vakeel (24)—are residents of the Vijayanagara district. During interrogation, they reportedly admitted to coordinating with other associates for commission-based transactions.

Additional Suspects and Seizures

Further arrests included individuals working and residing in Goa, such as a hotel employee and a DJ. Authorities also seized multiple bank kits linked to accounts opened in different districts, including Haveri and Gadag, primarily in branches of Bank of Maharashtra.

One key suspect remains absconding, and efforts are ongoing to track additional members of the network.

Larger Network Under Investigation

Officials suspect the operation may be part of a wider, multi-state cybercrime network. Forensic analysis of seized devices and bank transactions is underway to determine the scale of the fraud and identify links to other cases.

Cybersecurity experts note that the use of mule accounts has become a widespread tactic in financial fraud schemes. By using accounts opened in the names of unsuspecting individuals, criminals can obscure money trails and evade detection.

Rising Concern Over Student Exploitation

The case highlights a growing trend where students and vulnerable individuals are manipulated into unknowingly participating in financial crimes. Authorities have urged the public to remain cautious and avoid sharing banking details or opening accounts on behalf of others without full understanding.

Investigations are ongoing, and more arrests are expected as police continue to unravel the network.

Patna/Mumbai: Law enforcement authorities have dismantled an interstate cyber fraud network operating from Bihar’s capital Patna that allegedly cheated victims out of crores of rupees by posing as gas service providers. Four suspects, including the alleged mastermind, were arrested during a police raid conducted at a rented apartment in the city.

Investigators say the group specifically targeted residents of Mumbai while running its operations from Patna for several months, exploiting online communication platforms and social engineering techniques to deceive victims.

Cyber Fraud Operation Run from Patna Apartment

According to police officials, the accused had been running the fraudulent operation for nearly five to six months from a flat in the New Jaganpura locality under the jurisdiction of Ramkrishna Nagar police station.

Based on a tip-off, a cybercrime investigation team raided the apartment and arrested four individuals identified as Shridhar, Gultan Yadav, Arun Mandal, and Pankaj Kumar.

Authorities believe Shridhar, a resident of Pune in Maharashtra, orchestrated the scheme. The other suspects — Gultan Yadav, Arun Mandal, and Pankaj Kumar — are reportedly from Madhupur in Jharkhand’s Deoghar district.

Police suspect the group deliberately operated from Patna while focusing on victims in other states, particularly Mumbai, to avoid drawing local attention to their activities.

How the Gas Connection Scam Worked

Preliminary investigations reveal that the gang impersonated representatives of gas distribution agencies. Victims were approached with offers to help with new gas connections, transfers of existing connections, or disconnection services.

In several cases, victims were informed that their gas service would soon be suspended unless they made an immediate payment. The urgency created by the fraudsters reportedly pressured many individuals into transferring money without verifying the legitimacy of the request.

Authorities believe dozens of people may have fallen victim to the scam, with the total amount defrauded estimated to be in the crores.

Telegram Used to Find and Contact Victims

Investigators revealed that the gang used messaging platforms, particularly Telegram, to locate and communicate with potential victims. The suspects reportedly operated multiple channels and groups advertising assistance related to gas services and customer support.

Once a victim responded to these posts, the accused would initiate conversations and convince them to send payments through bank transfers or digital payment platforms.

Police say the scammers relied heavily on urgency and impersonation tactics to build trust and quickly obtain money before victims realized the fraud.

18 Mobile Phones Seized as Evidence

During the raid, police recovered 18 mobile phones from the suspects. Authorities believe the devices may contain critical digital evidence, including communication logs, transaction details, and data related to other potential victims.

Forensic examination of the devices is currently underway to trace the financial trail, identify bank accounts used in the fraud, and determine whether additional accomplices were involved.

Investigators are also exploring possible links between this group and other cybercrime networks operating across different states.

Cybersecurity Experts Warn About Social Engineering Scams

Cybersecurity experts caution that such fraud schemes often rely on social engineering, where criminals manipulate victims by creating urgency or fear related to essential services.

Former IPS officer and cybercrime expert Prof. Triveni Singh explained that scammers frequently send alarming messages regarding services such as gas, electricity, banking, or KYC updates.

He advised citizens to verify any payment requests directly through official customer support channels or company websites before transferring money online.

Experts say confirming information through legitimate sources remains one of the most effective ways to prevent cyber fraud.

A police constable driver in Lucknow has been booked under the Prevention of Corruption Act after an investigation revealed that his expenditure significantly exceeded his declared income, raising serious allegations of financial misconduct.

Investigation Reveals Major Income-Expenditure Discrepancy

The case concerns Constable Driver Rahul Kumar Shukla, posted in the BBD area of Lucknow. Authorities reported that during the period under review, his legitimate income was approximately ₹35.73 lakh, including salary, allowances, and arrears. However, his total expenditure was found to be ₹68.26 lakh, 91% higher than his known sources of income.

The investigation was triggered by a confidential complaint alleging accumulation of assets and spending far beyond lawful means. Authorities collected detailed information regarding Shukla’s bank transactions, assets, and financial activity. The analysis confirmed a ₹32.53 lakh gap between income and expenditure, prompting the registration of a formal corruption case.

Background of the Accused

Records indicate that Rahul Kumar Shukla, originally from Shahabpur village in Pratapgarh district, joined the Uttar Pradesh Police as a constable driver on April 26, 2003. He currently resides in Meera Vihar Colony, Panchamkheda, Lucknow.

Authorities are now examining his property records, bank accounts, and other financial documents to determine the source of the additional funds.

Possible Further Revelations

Investigators noted that in cases of disproportionate assets, financial scrutiny often spans several years. Investigators typically verify:

• Salary and allowance records
• Property purchases
• Bank and investment transactions
• Other financial activities

Authorities expect that further irregularities may emerge as the probe continues. Legal proceedings have already begun, and strict action could be taken if the allegations are confirmed.