Mangaluru police arrest six cybercrime accused in Hyderabad; ₹2 crore transactions traced in a single day

Mangaluru : In a major breakthrough against organised cyber fraud, Mangaluru police have arrested six members of a cybercrime network in Hyderabad for allegedly assisting international scammers in siphoning off money from Indian bank accounts. The accused have been identified as Sheikh Karimulla, Budidenne Vamshi, Bade Srinivas, Panditi Kranti Kumar, Ibrahim Pray, and Utsal Santosh Krishna.

According to police, the gang had been actively collaborating with cybercriminals operating from abroad and facilitating illegal financial transactions by providing access to Indian bank accounts. Investigators revealed that the accused had conducted financial transactions worth nearly ₹2 crore in just one day, highlighting the scale and sophistication of their operations.

Commission bait used to trap victims

Police said the accused lured bank account holders through social media advertisements, promising commissions ranging from 4% to 6% in exchange for allowing their accounts to be used for financial transfers. Unsuspecting individuals who responded to the offers were persuaded to share sensitive banking information, including OTPs and account access credentials.

Once access was obtained, the accused forwarded these details to cybercriminals based overseas, who then transferred large sums of money through multiple accounts to avoid detection. Authorities said such mule accounts play a crucial role in laundering money obtained through online fraud, phishing scams, and other cyber offences.

The arrests were made following a complaint filed by a Mangaluru resident, Mohammed Iqbal, who reported suspicious financial activity. Acting on the complaint, Mangaluru police launched a coordinated operation in Hyderabad and successfully apprehended the suspects.

Electronic devices and banking materials seized

During the operation, police seized key evidence, including 18 mobile phones, 12 SIM cards, one laptop, 15 cheque books, 18 debit cards, and 12 bank passbooks. Officials said the seized materials are expected to provide further leads into the larger cybercrime network and help identify additional victims and accomplices.

Police sources indicated that the arrested individuals were part of a wider network that enabled international cybercriminals to operate within India using local banking infrastructure. Authorities are currently analysing digital evidence and transaction records to trace the money trail.

Earlier cross-border operations exposed wider network

In a related development, Mangaluru police had earlier conducted cross-border operations in coordination with Nepal police, leading to the arrest of 11 cybercrime suspects. Investigators had then uncovered details of 624 bank accounts linked to cyber fraud, including one account that recorded transactions amounting to ₹167 crore.

Officials said the latest arrests are part of ongoing efforts to dismantle organised cybercrime syndicates and prevent financial fraud. Police have urged citizens not to share OTPs, banking credentials, or account access with anyone, even if offered commissions or incentives.

Investigations are ongoing, and more arrests are likely as authorities continue to track the network’s operations and international connections.