Mumbai Kurar police bust ATM fraud gang

Mumbai: Four members of an ATM fraud ring who are accused of defrauding many people across the country, including in Maharashtra, have been detained by the Kurar police. According to the Kurar police, nine crimes committed in Mumbai have been solved. After being chased across rooftops, the suspects were eventually caught in Bhandup. Dharmveer Kishun Mahto, 32, Vivekkumar Paswan, 28, Beerlal Sah, 23, and Kishor Mahto, 28, have been named as the victims. One more gang member made it out safely.

The Bihar natives who were detained have been charged with various IPC offences and are currently being held in police custody. For the past three to four years, they have engaged in fraudulent activities all around the nation without being discovered.

Gang members approached ATM centers to help deposit or withdraw cash, with one member assisting and another pretending to be in a hurry. They deceive victims into believing the transaction was complete, then remove cash from the machine. They then flee the scene. Also posed as customers with fake notes, with genuine front and back notes and blank paper. Victims unwittingly handed over their bundle, receiving fake notes in return.

A 57-year-old victim was defrauded of Rs 50,000 in May. An investigation led by DCP Smita Patil, Senior Inspector Satesh Gavde, and API Punkaj Wankhede used CCTV footage and call data to track down the accused. They arrested Dharmveer Mahto, who provided information about other gang members. The accused attempted to escape through rooftops, leading to a chase. Three were apprehended, while one escaped.

The arrested individuals confessed to their crimes and revealed additional offenses in Mumbai, Kerala, and other parts of South India. Further investigation is ongoing to uncover the gang’s activities.