The Crime Branch of the Delhi Police has apprehended two individuals near Shahdara for allegedly engaging in ATM card swapping and executing fraudulent cash withdrawals. The suspects, Asif (25) and Talib alias Kallu (25), both hailing from Giri Market in Loni, Ghaziabad, were caught deceiving unsuspecting ATM users by exchanging their debit cards and withdrawing funds.

Authorities reported that the pair targeted vulnerable ATM patrons, particularly senior citizens or those who seemed confused, under the guise of offering assistance with cash withdrawals. During these encounters, they would discreetly watch the victims enter their PINs and then swap the legitimate debit card with a counterfeit or stolen one.

These fraudulent cards were subsequently used to extract money from the victims' accounts. Vikram Singh, DCP Crime, stated, "On May 23, 2025, we received reliable information about two known fraudsters, Asif and Talib, who were involved in vehicle theft and ATM scams. They were expected to be in the Shahdara-Maujpur area on a stolen scooter to commit another crime. A strategic trap was set up at Kardampuri Nala Road behind Ambedkar College, leading to their successful capture."

Upon their arrest, the suspects were found riding a stolen scooter. They had developed a cunning strategy to exploit vulnerable ATM users, particularly targeting the elderly or those lacking digital literacy. One of them would approach the victim, offering assistance, while the other would discreetly observe the PIN entry. At the right moment, they would switch the genuine debit card with a similar-looking fake or previously stolen card. With the correct PIN and a valid card, they would quickly visit various ATMs to withdraw cash.

The use of a stolen scooter facilitated their swift movement between ATM locations, aiding in evading capture. During their arrest, authorities discovered 41 stolen debit cards in their possession. Upon interrogation, both suspects admitted to targeting elderly and digitally inexperienced ATM users, confessing to numerous incidents of card swapping, unauthorized cash withdrawals, and purchases made with the stolen cards. So far, two CCTV recordings have been obtained, and investigations are ongoing to connect the recovered cards to their rightful account holders.