1,400 suspect ‘mule accounts’ flagged in Belagavi; multiple cyberfraud cases registered

Belagavi: Amid rising cybercrime, Belagavi SP K Ramarajan has flagged large-scale misuse of mule accounts in the district, with as many as 1,400 suspicious bank accounts identified by the CID.Addressing mediapersons here on Monday, the SP said cyber police have registered three cases across Nippani, Chikodi and Ramdurg, involving eight accused. Investigations revealed that individuals opened bank accounts in their names and handed them over to fraudsters, enabling illegal financial transactions.In the Nippani case, five accused - Shubham Lakkannavar, Amit Shindhe, Rahul I Hanchinal, Akshay Pasare and Gajanan Dharmode - allegedly opened accounts and passed them on for misuse. A total of 14 cases have been registered across various states linked to five such accounts, involving transactions worth Rs 46.1 lakh. Police said efforts are underway to trace the accused.In Chikodi taluk, two accused - Siddu Balappa Daang and Kuladeep Bhagawant Byale - reportedly used multiple accounts, SIM cards and ATM cards to defraud victims, including acquaintances. Investigations revealed 68 cases nationwide linked to 15 accounts, with transactions amounting to Rs 42.1 lakh.In a separate case from Ramdurg taluk, Ashpak Hussainsab Surkod allegedly opened several accounts and facilitated their use for cyber fraud. Four accounts linked to him are connected to eight cases across different states, involving Rs 14.3 lakh. Police have questioned the accused and conducted searches at his residence, with further investigation underway.SP Ramarajan warned the public against sharing bank accounts or SIM cards with strangers, stressing that even indirect involvement in cyber fraud would invite strict legal action.51 stolen mobile phones recoveredIn a parallel development, police have traced and returned 51 lost or stolen mobile phones to their rightful owners on Monday.SP Ramarajan said the Central Equipment Identity Register (CEIR) portal played a crucial role in tracking the devices through IMEI-based analysis. Since 2023, a total of 4,744 mobile theft cases have been registered on the portal, of which around 1,000 phones have been recovered and returned. Efforts are ongoing to trace the remaining 3,744 devices.He commended the efforts of the cybercrime team led by Veeresh Dodamani for its role in cracking the cases.