Mumbai Crime: Model held for ATM-related fraud

Accused, five associates hoodwinked bank by inducing error in machine last week

The MIDC police have arrested a struggling model, who is a resident of Mewat, for allegedly duping banks by inducing errors in ATM machines.

The police are on the lookout for five associates of Khan, who are allegedly involved in the fraud. The accused was arrested and produced in the holiday court on Tuesday and has been remanded in police custody.

According to police sources, Khan and his gang withdrew around Rs 5.6 lakh from an RBL Bank ATM in Marol last week.

The fraud came to light after a bank manager found discrepancies after going through transactions carried out at the ATM.
While examining CCTV footage, vigilance officers discovered the alleged criminals' modus operandi.

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They learnt that four people had entered the kiosk. They then blocked the view of the CCTV camera inside and proceeded to switch off the ATM just when it was dispensing cash. They then pocketed the money but called the bank, claiming that the amount had been debited from their account but they didn’t receive the cash. An error would then reflect in the bank’s records, prompting its officials to reverse the transaction.

During their investigation, the police spotted a Bullet motorcycle outside the ATM and its number plate had a Rajasthan registration number.

Khan allegedly stood outside the ATM to alert the gang at the time of the incident. Based on the number plate, the accused was traced to an Andheri-based society. After also inquiring with locals, Khan was detained at his residence.

Interestingly, the police learned that Khan had never shown his house to anyone, including his colleagues. He would also give a neighbour's address while ordering food online and would collect it on the road. The entire gang are from the same hometown and the police believe they used the money to live a lavish life.

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