Cyber Fraud Network Misuses Poor Workers Bank Accounts In Karnataka, Crores In Illegal Transactions Suspected

A major cyber fraud case has surfaced in Chikkamagaluru, Karnataka, where bank accounts belonging to poor workers and daily wage earners were allegedly misused for large scale financial transactions. The investigation began after police received notices from cybercrime teams in six states, raising concerns about possible links beyond the local area.

Preliminary investigations have revealed suspicious transactions involving lakhs of rupees in accounts held by auto drivers, domestic workers and civic workers. Authorities suspect that the accounts were used as channels to transfer illegally obtained money, with the total amount involved potentially reaching several crores.

According to investigators, several vulnerable people from the Shankarapura area were allegedly approached by local individuals with promises of monthly payments and easy loan facilities. The victims were reportedly convinced to provide documents such as Aadhaar and PAN cards to open or operate bank accounts.

The accused allegedly linked their own mobile numbers to these accounts, allowing them to control banking alerts, OTP messages and transaction details. Many account holders were reportedly unaware of the activities taking place because they did not have personal access to mobile banking services.

Police believe that some old bank accounts, which had remained inactive for years, were later used for heavy transactions within a short period. When some account holders questioned the delay in loan-related promises and asked to close their accounts, they were allegedly told that the accounts had already been cancelled.

So far, five victims have officially approached authorities, but investigators suspect that more than 48 accounts in the Shankarapura area alone may have been exploited. Officials believe the number of affected people could increase as the investigation progresses.

The case has already resulted in an FIR against seven people, and six individuals have been arrested. Considering the seriousness of the allegations, a local court has allowed key accused persons Aslam, Rahul and Prashanth to remain in the custody of the Cyber Economic and Narcotics Crime police for three days for further questioning.

During the initial probe, authorities found that large transactions had taken place through accounts belonging to people including auto driver Anand, homemaker Ashwini and civic worker Hanumanth. Officials reported that transactions worth around Rs 29 lakh and Rs 34 lakh were linked to some of these accounts.

Investigators are also examining whether the fraud network has connections outside Karnataka. There are suspicions that the arrested individuals may only be small players in a larger operation involving unknown operators. Political leaders have demanded a deeper investigation by agencies such as the Central Bureau of Investigation or the Enforcement Directorate.

The police investigation is continuing to identify the main operators behind the network and determine whether the transactions were connected to international cyber fraud activities or illegal money transfer channels.