Bengaluru Tailor Arrested for Role in ₹60.9 Lakh Money Laundering Scheme
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BENGALURU, India — A 50-year-old tailor from the Vijayanagar neighborhood was arrested Tuesday after his bank account was used to process illegal transactions exceeding ₹60.9 lakh ($73,000) as part of a money laundering operation.
Police identified the accused as Karna, who authorities say was duped into providing his account details to fraudsters. The account was subsequently utilized as a mule account to facilitate illicit financial transfers.
The case came to light following a complaint filed by the bank, which flagged unusual transaction patterns on Karna’s account. Investigators traced the funds to a network of digital fraud schemes operating across the region. The total value of transactions processed through the account reached ₹60,90,000.
Karna, a resident of Vijayanagar, told police he was approached by unknown individuals who promised him a monthly income of ₹2,000 in exchange for allowing them to use his bank account. He stated he believed the arrangement was legitimate and did not realize the account would be used for criminal activities.
"He was lured by the promise of easy money," said a senior police official involved in the investigation. "He did not understand the gravity of the situation until the account was frozen and he was questioned."
The arrest was made on Tuesday afternoon at Karna’s residence. Police seized his mobile phone and bank documents during the raid. Karna is currently in police custody and is expected to be produced in court Wednesday for remand.
Authorities have not yet identified the masterminds behind the scheme or the full extent of the network involved. Investigators are examining the transaction trail to trace the origin of the funds and identify other potential mule accounts linked to the operation.
This case highlights a growing trend of financial fraud targeting individuals in search of supplemental income. Law enforcement agencies have warned citizens against sharing bank account details with strangers or agreeing to financial arrangements that seem too good to be true.
The bank has since frozen the account and is cooperating with police to recover the illicit funds. Karna faces charges under the Indian Penal Code and the Prevention of Money Laundering Act.
As the investigation continues, police are urging the public to report any suspicious offers involving bank account usage. The case remains open as authorities work to dismantle the broader fraud network.