Bhind Police Uncover Interstate ATM Fraud Gang, Seize Goods Worth 36 Lakhs

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Interstate ATM Fraud Ring Busted in Bhind

The Mehgaon police in Bhind district have successfully dismantled an interstate gang specializing in technical manipulation of ATM machines to defraud customers. Three members of the gang have been arrested, and police have recovered items worth 36 lakh rupees, including a significant number of ATM cards and a luxury car.

The operation was triggered by a complaint from a customer who attempted to withdraw cash from a State Bank of India ATM. Despite the transaction showing as successful, the customer did not receive any money. Acting on this complaint, police initiated an investigation.

Suspects Apprehended and Modus Operandi Revealed

Following up on technical evidence and informant tips, police apprehended three suspicious young men near the Gorami intersection. The suspects identified themselves as Sarthyarth Mishra from Ayodhya, Satyam Singh Parihar from Kanpur, and Abhijeet Singh from Hardoi.

During preliminary interrogation, the arrested individuals confessed to engaging in such fraudulent activities since 2018. It was also revealed that they had previously served jail time for similar offenses in Dehradun and Udham Singh Nagar.

Sophisticated Fraud Technique Employed

The gang's method of operation was highly cunning and well-planned. They would affix an aluminum plate and black tape to the cash dispensing window of ATM machines. When a customer attempted a withdrawal, the cash would get stuck in the aluminum plate.

After the customer, confused by the non-dispensing machine, would leave, the fraudsters would retrieve the plate and easily collect the trapped cash. This gang specifically targeted ATMs located along highways, using Google Maps to identify their locations.

Interstate Network and Future Plans

Further interrogation revealed that the accused had traveled from Noida to Bhind, via Agra, Morena, and Gwalior. Their plan was to extend their fraudulent operations to South India, indicating the extensive reach of their interstate network.

Seizure and Further Investigation

Police seized seven aluminum plates, 94 ATM cards from various banks, scissors, mobile phones, and a Tata Harrier car from the suspects. The total value of the confiscated property is estimated at 36 lakh rupees. This significant operation was spearheaded by Station Officer Ravindra Sharma, Vivek Sharma, and the cyber cell team.

A case has been registered against the accused, and legal proceedings are underway. The police are now actively investigating other potential hideouts and members of this gang's network.