User data from ATMs across Bengaluru stolen, European tourists arrested
What's the story
Several ATMs in Bengaluru, including one at Kempegowda International Airport, have been compromised, police reports said. Two foreign nationals from Hungary and Romania have been arrested. They allegedly rigged several ATMs in Bengaluru, helping them capture card information and PIN numbers of thousands of users. The accused claimed that they belonged to a larger criminal gang that is based in the UK.
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How did the accused operate?
"The duo planted the skimmers in the early hours of the morning and would retrieve them late at night. The stolen data would be transmitted to the associate in the UK in an encrypted form, who would then use the data to steal funds," said police officials.
Unearthing the crime
How did the police officials trace the accused?
Police officials began investigations after officials from Kotak Mahindra Bank had reported that illegal devices for stealing card information were found at their ATM on MG Road. The other ATMs that came under the scanner were Citibank's ATM at Garuda Mall, and a Canara Bank ATM at MG Road, amongst others. The police officials combed through CCTV footage to arrest the tourists.