Mangaluru Cyber Fraud Bust: 11 Arrested, Network Spans Nepal, Cambodia

Mangaluru City Cyber, Economic and Narcotics (CEN) Crime Police have busted a multi-crore global cyber fraud racket and arrested 11 accused in connection with the case. Police said the fraud was operated from Nepal and targeted Indian citizens through fake investment schemes. The accused were part of an international network involving 16 Indians and several Chinese nationals. While 11 Indians have been arrested in India, Chinese nationals involved have been taken into custody by Nepal Police. Five Indian accused are still absconding.

Investigators revealed that the gang cheated victims of hundreds of crores through online investment fraud. Analysis of seized mobile phones and laptops uncovered details of 624 bank accounts linked to the scam. These accounts are connected to over 4,580 complaints registered on the NCRP portal across the country. In one account alone, transactions worth ₹167 crore were detected. In the present case, ₹30.70 crore was routed through 10 bank accounts.

Police registered the case under Sections 66(c) and 66(d) of the IT Act and relevant sections of the Bharatiya Nyaya Sanhita. The complainant in the Mangaluru case was cheated of ₹1.38 crore through multiple bank transfers. Technical investigation confirmed that the fraud was executed from Nepal. The money trail led investigators to coordinated operations spanning several countries. Authorities said further financial details are still being examined.

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Explaining the modus operandi, police said one group operated from Nepal, recruiting bank account holders and agents via social media. The cheated money was moved through multiple accounts, converted into USDT cryptocurrency, and sent abroad. Another group, operating from Cambodia and other countries, contacted investors using WhatsApp and social platforms. Indians working overseas were used to communicate with victims in local languages to gain trust.

Police also warned about “digital slavery,” where young job seekers are lured abroad with fake job offers. Their passports are confiscated, and they are forced to run online scams under threat. In Dakshina Kannada district alone, six such victims have been rescued so far. Police cautioned that those providing bank accounts for commission will be treated as accused. The investigation is ongoing, with efforts underway to arrest the remaining suspects.

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