Mangaluru: A 22-year-old man from Kerala has been arrested in connection with a cyber fraud case involving Rs 1.71 crore, officials confirmed on Tuesday.  

The accused, Akash A, a resident of Chokkath in Kozhikode district, allegedly used his bank account for fraudulent cyber activities, according to the police.  

The investigation began after a complaint was lodged alleging harassment through calls and messages from an impersonator posing as a representative of the Telecom Regulatory Authority of India (TRAI). The complainant was told that a mobile number registered in their name had been linked to unlawful activities in Mumbai.  

Further inquiries revealed that the fraudster had opened a bank account at Canara Bank in Mumbai, using the complainant’s name for illicit transactions. The complainant was manipulated into transferring Rs 1.71 crore in multiple phases, a senior police officer said.  

During the investigation, police traced Akash’s involvement in the fraud. His bank account was found to be directly linked to the cybercrime. A police team apprehended him in Kerala and brought him to Mangaluru for further proceedings.  

The accused has been produced before the court, while efforts are underway to trace other suspects involved in the case, the officer added.  

PTI