Belagavi SP Raises Alarm Over Widespread Mule Account Misuse in Cybercrime Surge
In a stark warning amid escalating cybercrime incidents, Belagavi Superintendent of Police K Ramarajan has highlighted the large-scale exploitation of mule accounts within the district. The Criminal Investigation Department (CID) has pinpointed as many as 1,400 suspicious bank accounts, underscoring a growing threat to financial security.
Three Key Cases Uncovered Across Talukas
Addressing media representatives on Monday, SP Ramarajan disclosed that cyber police have registered three distinct cases spanning Nippani, Chikodi, and Ramdurg talukas, implicating eight individuals. Investigations have revealed a troubling pattern: individuals opened bank accounts under their own names only to surrender them to fraudsters, thereby facilitating illicit financial activities.
Nippani Case: Five Accused and Rs 46.1 Lakh in Transactions
In the Nippani case, five accused—Shubham Lakkannavar, Amit Shindhe, Rahul I Hanchinal, Akshay Pasare, and Gajanan Dharmode—are alleged to have opened accounts and transferred them for misuse. A total of 14 cases have been registered across various states linked to these five accounts, involving transactions valued at Rs 46.1 lakh. Police authorities are actively pursuing leads to trace the accused.
Chikodi Taluk: Multiple Accounts Used in Fraud Scheme
In Chikodi taluk, two accused, Siddu Balappa Daang and Kuladeep Bhagawant Byale, reportedly employed numerous accounts, SIM cards, and ATM cards to deceive victims, including acquaintances. Investigations have uncovered 68 cases nationwide associated with 15 accounts, with transactions totaling Rs 42.1 lakh.
Ramdurg Taluk: Individual Facilitates Cyber Fraud
In a separate incident from Ramdurg taluk, Ashpak Hussainsab Surkod is accused of opening several accounts and enabling their use for cyber fraud. Four accounts connected to him are tied to eight cases across different states, involving Rs 14.3 lakh. Police have interrogated the accused and conducted searches at his residence, with ongoing investigations.
Public Warning and Legal Consequences
SP Ramarajan issued a stern caution to the public, advising against sharing bank accounts or SIM cards with strangers. He emphasized that even indirect participation in cyber fraud would result in stringent legal action, urging vigilance to combat this menace.
Parallel Development: Recovery of 51 Stolen Mobile Phones
In a related achievement, police successfully traced and returned 51 lost or stolen mobile phones to their rightful owners on Monday. SP Ramarajan credited the Central Equipment Identity Register (CEIR) portal for its pivotal role in tracking devices through IMEI-based analysis.
Since 2023, the portal has recorded 4,744 mobile theft cases, with approximately 1,000 phones recovered and returned. Efforts continue to locate the remaining 3,744 devices. Ramarajan praised the cybercrime team, led by Veeresh Dodamani, for their instrumental work in resolving these cases.
