Gaming Addiction Leads Civil Engineer to Cyber Fraud: SIM Card Theft Steals Bank Funds

Post Views: 5

A 23-year-old civil engineering graduate has been detained in Pune, Maharashtra, for allegedly engaging in cybercrime to fund personal expenses and online gaming.

Incident Overview

A 23-year-old civil engineering graduate has been detained in Pune, Maharashtra, for allegedly engaging in cybercrime to fund personal expenses and online gaming. Authorities allege the suspect stole mobile number credentials to intercept authentication codes and siphon funds from victims’ financial accounts. The accused, identified as Sanket Satish Kulkarni, resided in Pune’s Akurdi neighborhood and originated from a village in Dharashiv district.

Suspect’s Background

Despite completing a civil engineering degree and enrolling in a Visual Effects course, investigators claim he opted for illicit methods to generate income. According to the investigation, Kulkarni targeted mobile numbers by stealing SIM cards and reactivating them to gain control of victims’ phone lines. This allowed him to access one-time passwords and other verification messages tied to banking services. Once compromised, these credentials enabled unauthorized transactions, including fund transfers and withdrawals.

Method of Fraud

Three separate reports of SIM card theft and financial fraud prompted the probe. Preliminary findings indicate Kulkarni’s gaming addiction contributed to his financial instability. Investigators noted he had previously spent between ₹1 lakh and ₹1.5 lakh on gaming, allegedly using funds obtained without consent from family members.

Impact of Gaming Addiction

Cybersecurity professionals emphasize the role of mobile numbers as critical components of digital identity. Banking platforms, UPI services, and social media accounts are often linked to phone numbers, making SIM theft a high-risk activity. Criminals exploiting this vulnerability can bypass security protocols and access sensitive financial data. Experts highlight that modern cybercriminals increasingly focus on identity hijacking rather than traditional hacking techniques.

Expert Insights

Prof. Triveni Singh, a renowned cybercrime specialist and former IPS officer, stated that misuse of mobile numbers, OTPs, and social engineering tactics enables fraudsters to circumvent authentication mechanisms. He advised the public to contact telecom providers and banks immediately upon detecting anomalies such as unexpected network disruptions or suspicious account activity.

Current Status and Ongoing Investigation

The case underscores the growing intersection between digital addiction and cyber-enabled crime. While many young individuals engage in online gaming responsibly, financial strain and compulsive behaviors can lead to unlawful actions. Kulkarni has been placed in judicial custody and is currently held at Yerawada Central Jail. Authorities are examining whether he operated independently or was part of a broader cybercrime network. Further inquiries into the incident remain ongoing.