Daijiworld Media Network – Mangaluru

Mangaluru, Nov 16: In a major cybercrime bust, Mangaluru City CEN crime police have apprehended two individuals accused of defrauding victims by misusing more than 300 bank accounts and 250 SIM cards. The accused allegedly extorted a total of Rs 7.27 lac, claiming to act on behalf of customs officials.

The case was registered as FIR 45/2024 under Sections 66(C) and 66(D) of the IT Act and Section 420 of the IPC. Police launched a detailed investigation after a complaint alleged that the accused systematically cheated several victims.

The accused are Damenjoy Reang, 27, son of Rang Rungha Reang, resident of Dhalai, Tripura, and Hmngte Reail Kom alias Mangte Amosh, 33, son of Kangpokpi district, Manipur.

Following investigation, bank account details were scrutinised, leading to the arrest of Damenjoy Reang in Bengaluru on November 13, who was produced before the competent court, which ordered judicial custody.

Further inquiries led to the arrest of Hmngte Reail Kom alias Mangte Amosh in Bengaluru on November 15, who was presented before the court on November 16, which also remanded him in judicial custody.

During the investigation, police discovered that Hmngte Reail Kom alias Mangte Amosh had utilised more than 300 bank accounts and over 250 SIM cards for cyber fraud.

Authorities also seized eight mobile phones, 20 debit cards from multiple banks, 18 passbooks from various banks, 11 cheque books, and seven SIM cards from him.

Officials from Mangaluru City CEN crime police station confirmed the arrests and said the investigation is ongoing. They added that the coordinated effort aims to dismantle the entire cyberfraud network and ensure the accused face stringent legal action.

This case highlights the rising menace of cybercrime and the sophistication with which fraudsters exploit multiple bank accounts and mobile SIMs to target victims across states.