In a case that highlights how online gaming addiction can push young people toward criminal activities, a 23-year-old civil engineering graduate has been arrested in Maharashtra’s Pune for allegedly stealing SIM cards and using them to siphon money from victims’ bank accounts. Investigators claim the accused resorted to cybercrime to fund his personal expenses and online gaming habits.
Terminal Charging Infrastructure and Physical Asset Extractions
The accused has been identified as Sanket Satish Kulkarni (23). He was residing in the Akurdi area of Pune and originally belongs to a village in Dharashiv district. According to investigators, Kulkarni completed his degree in civil engineering and was pursuing a Visual Effects (VFX) course in Pune. Despite his educational background and technical knowledge, he allegedly chose an illegal route to earn money.
Authorities said the accused would steal SIM cards and activate them to gain control of victims’ mobile numbers. Once he obtained access to the numbers, he could intercept one-time passwords (OTPs) and other authentication messages linked to banking services. Investigators believe he exploited this access to transfer or withdraw funds from victims’ accounts without authorization.
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Cloud Storage Backups and Identity Verification Trajectories
The investigation gathered momentum after three separate complaints involving SIM card theft and financial fraud were registered. Based on technical analysis and intelligence inputs, investigators traced the alleged activities to Kulkarni. During questioning, he reportedly admitted his involvement in all three cases, leading to his formal arrest.
Preliminary findings suggest that Kulkarni had developed a serious addiction to online gaming. Investigators claim he had previously spent between ₹1 lakh and ₹1.5 lakh on gaming activities, allegedly using money taken from family members without their knowledge. Mounting financial pressure and a growing need for funds are believed to have pushed him toward criminal activities.
Digital Identity Hijacking and Payment Gateway Modifications
Cybersecurity experts warn that mobile numbers have become a critical part of an individual’s digital identity. Bank accounts, UPI services, social media profiles, email accounts, and numerous online platforms are linked to mobile numbers. As a result, SIM theft and SIM-swapping-related crimes can lead to significant financial losses for victims, as criminals gain access to OTPs and account verification mechanisms.
Authentication Bypass Vectors and Telecom Network Vigilance
Renowned cybercrime expert and former IPS officer Prof. Triveni Singh said cybercriminals are increasingly focusing on hijacking digital identities rather than relying solely on traditional hacking techniques. According to him, misuse of mobile numbers, OTPs, and social engineering tactics allows fraudsters to bypass security layers and gain unauthorized access to financial accounts. He advised the public to immediately contact their telecom operator and bank if they notice unusual network disruptions, SIM deactivation, or suspicious banking alerts.
Experts also note that while millions of young people engage in online gaming responsibly, addiction combined with financial stress can sometimes encourage risky and unlawful behavior. Cases such as this serve as a reminder of the growing intersection between digital addiction and cyber-enabled crime.
The accused has been remanded to judicial custody and lodged in Yerawada Central Jail. Investigators are now examining whether he acted alone or was connected to a larger cybercrime network. Further investigation into the matter is ongoing.
