Belagavi Cyber Crime Police Probe Rs 84 Lakh Fraud Through Woman's Bank Accounts
The Cyber Crime Police in Belagavi have launched a comprehensive investigation into illegal financial transactions exceeding Rs 84 lakh. These funds were allegedly routed through nine bank accounts belonging to a 25-year-old woman residing in Ashok Nagar, Belagavi.
FIR Lodged Against Uttar Pradesh Youth
The woman, identified as Washiya, filed a First Information Report (FIR) against a youth from Firozabad, Uttar Pradesh. She accuses him of utilizing her bank accounts for extensive online fraudulent activities without her full consent or understanding of the scale involved.
Police reports indicate that Washiya previously worked at an ashram school. Investigators discovered that suspicious transactions persisted in her bank accounts even after she left her employment. This raised immediate red flags during the initial stages of the inquiry.
Instagram Connection and Deceptive Promises
A preliminary inquiry by the Cyber Crime team revealed that the fraud began when Washiya accepted a friend request on Instagram from an individual posing as Amir Khan from Uttar Pradesh. The two engaged in communication through video calls, building a deceptive rapport.
Police stated that the accused convinced Washiya to permit transactions through her bank accounts, offering her a commission ranging from Rs 100 to Rs 200 per transaction. This financial incentive allegedly led her to comply with his instructions.
Operation of 'Mule Accounts'
As directed, Washiya reportedly withdrew the transferred amounts within hours of each deposit. Over a span of nearly one month, more than Rs 84 lakh was funneled through the nine accounts linked to her.
Officials strongly suspect that the accused used these accounts as 'mule accounts' to channel funds obtained through various forms of cyber fraud. This method is commonly employed by criminals to launder money and obscure the trail of illicit activities.
Realization and Police Action
Washiya began to suspect foul play after noticing unusually large transactions occurring within a very short timeframe. Concerned about potential exploitation, she proactively approached the Cyber Crime Police to report the irregularities.
A formal case has been registered under relevant sections of the law. The Cyber Crime team is now intensifying efforts to trace and apprehend the accused, who is believed to have operated under a false identity to conceal his true whereabouts and intentions.
The investigation continues as authorities work to unravel the full extent of the fraud network and recover the misappropriated funds.
