The Karnataka Police have apprehended three individuals in connection with a massive cyber fraud racket that allegedly defrauded victims of over ₹82 crore across India, officials said on 27 February 2026. The arrests follow 352 complaints registered with cybercrime units nationwide, making it one of the larger coordinated fraud cases recently uncovered.
According to police, the accused were booked under Section 66(D) of the Information Technology Act and Sections 318(4) and 319(2) of the Bharatiya Nyaya Sanhita (BNS) for fraudulent activity.
Alleged Modus Operandi and Arrests
The prime accused has been identified as 43-year-old Jagadish C, an electronics trader from Sharadamma Compound in Sharavathi Nagar, Shivamogga. Police said he allegedly lured a complainant, identified as Wilson V, with the promise of a commission, persuaded him to open a bank account, and later took control of the account. By impersonating the complainant, Jagadish is accused of transferring large sums out of the account through fraudulent transactions.
The other two arrested are Arshad (39), a fish trader from Shankarpura in Chikkamagaluru, and Ananth T (34), a marketing professional from Hosamane in Shivamogga.
Extent of the Fraud and Evidence Seized
Investigators uncovered 15 “mule” bank accounts — accounts opened under false pretences and used to funnel illicit funds — which were frozen by police. More than ₹14.71 crore was reportedly routed through these accounts, with the overall estimated cheating amount exceeding ₹82 crore in linked fraud complaints across the country.
Police also seized several digital and financial instruments tied to the alleged fraud, including:
- Two mobile phones used for coordination
- 11 ATM cards linked to suspect accounts
- Nine QR code scanners allegedly used for deceptive payment captures
- 15 Airtel SIM cards used in fraudulent communications and transfers
All three accused were produced before a local magistrate, who remanded them to judicial custody. Police said more suspects may remain at large and the probe is ongoing.
Police and Investigative Response
The case was registered at the Cyber Crime Police Station following a complaint by the victim, Wilson V. Karnataka Police officials stated that the investigation team, led by Inspector Manjunath, continues to trace additional accomplices and untangle the full extent of the fraud network, which spans multiple states.
Authorities have cautioned citizens to remain vigilant about unsolicited offers involving commissions or requests to open bank accounts, warning that such tactics are commonly used in mule account scams — where cybercriminals divert funds through accounts held in others’ names to conceal illegal transfers.
Public Advisory and Reporting
Police also encouraged potential victims or anyone with information relating to the scam to file complaints on the national cybercrime portal or through the toll-free helpline 1930, which assists in reporting and investigating online fraud and cybercrime cases.
Cybercrime experts stress that early reporting is critical for tracking financial flows and increasing the chances of recovering stolen funds.
