The Central Bureau of Investigation has arrested Muhammed Fasal K from his residence in Thamarassery in Kerala’s Kozhikode district in a case linked to an international cyber fraud and ATM card smuggling network. According to the agency, the arrest was carried out on Saturday after he was kept under sustained surveillance, including after an earlier attempt to leave the country.
Cyber Fraud Case Linked to July 2024 Complaint
The investigation relates to a cyber fraud reported in July 2024, in which a Thrissur-based complainant was allegedly cheated out of ₹1,04,40,111, or about ₹1.04 crore. Investigators said the victim was contacted by people posing as FedEx officials and cybercrime police personnel. They allegedly informed him that his bank account had been compromised and was under urgent investigation, then persuaded him to transfer money across several bank accounts under the pretext of verification.
How the Alleged Network Worked
CBI officials say the case exposed a cross-border syndicate that collected debit and ATM cards from young people and students across Kerala by offering cash payments of ₹3,000 to ₹7,000 for each active card. The cards were then smuggled to Dubai through illegal channels. Foreign associates allegedly used them at ATMs abroad to withdraw money obtained through cyber fraud, which investigators believe helped conceal the domestic money trail.
The probe has also indicated that funds withdrawn overseas were routed back into India. The accused is alleged to have invested part of the proceeds in real estate across the country and to have been involved in gold smuggling into Kerala. The agency is examining transaction records, banking trails and property documents to identify local card suppliers, couriers, UAE-based operatives and any corporate entities that may have been used to hide the illicit wealth.
Earlier Watch and Airport Interception
Muhammed Fasal K had already come under the radar of central authorities earlier. A Look Out Circular was issued against him, and he was intercepted at Bengaluru Airport on May 13, 2026, while he was attempting to board a flight to Sharjah. He was released at that stage, but surveillance continued until his arrest in Thamarassery.
What the CBI Is Examining Now
The agency is continuing custodial interrogation to trace the remaining links in the syndicate, including the role of card providers and the end beneficiaries of the diverted money. The case, as described by investigators, highlights the challenge of mule-account networks and the movement of fraud proceeds across borders through physical card smuggling.
