Cybercrime training helped man steal cash from ATMs in Hyderabad
HYDERABAD: A cybercrime course undertaken by a man to learn online fraud techniques allegedly helped him steal cash from automated teller machines (ATMs) across Hyderabad, police said.
The accused, Vadde Katamaiah, was caught red-handed by Miyapur police under the Cyberabad Commissionerate on the night of January 4 while attempting to steal money from an ATM, officials said.
According to police, Katamaiah had come to Hyderabad from Andhra Pradesh to undergo training in cybercrime-related courses. During the training, he learnt the functioning and mechanics of ATMs and allegedly devised a method to steal cash.
Explaining the modus operandi, Miyapur Assistant Commissioner of Police Y Srinivas Kumar said the accused used a plastic device to block the cash outlet of the ATM. “When the cash does not come out, customers assume the transaction has failed and leave. The accused would later remove the trapped cash,” the ACP said.
Police said Katamaiah was arrested while attempting to rob an ATM of the State Bank of India at Hafeezpet. His accomplice, Ramanjaneyulu, managed to escape and is currently on the run. Police said efforts are on to trace and arrest him.
