Planning a quick getaway to the scenic hills of Karjat usually starts with a simple Google search. But for one 53-year-old Merchant Navy professional from Powai, a routine search for a weekend retreat turned into a cautionary tale about the rising tide of cybercrime. Powai police have recently made a breakthrough in this case, arresting two young men linked to a sophisticated “mule account” racket that preys on unsuspecting travelers.
The arrested men were identified as Kunal Gaikwad (21), a college dropout from Pimpri-Chinchwad, and Datta Kedar (23), a graduate from Beed. Police said the duo shared their bank account and SIM with the racket to carry out the fraud.
The Digital Trap
The victim was looking to book a stay at the Urivergate Resort in Karjat. Like most modern travelers, he searched online and landed on a professional-looking website. He called the number listed, and the person on the other end-sounding perfectly legitimate-instructed him to move the conversation to WhatsApp.
To build trust, the scammer sent high-quality photos of the resort and confirmed room availability. He then requested an advance payment of Rs 12,000 for two rooms. To make the transaction easy, he sent a Google Pay QR code. The victim scanned the code, and the payment was processed under a business name called “Kunal Confectionery.”
However, as soon as the money was sent, the friendly “booking agent” turned evasive. Realizing he had been duped, the victim didn’t waste time; he immediately dialed the cyber helpline 1930 to report the fraud.
The Investigation
Under the supervision of DCP Datta Nalawade and Senior Inspector Jitendra Sonawane team of Powai police inspector Ganesh Patil, sub-inspector Prashant Kendre and staff began a digital manhunt. They started by tracing the QR code, which led them to a specific SIM card and a linked bank account.
This trail led them to two individuals:
- Kunal Gaikwad (21): A college dropout from Pimpri-Chinchwad.
- Datta Kedar (23): A graduate from Beed district.
Gaikwad was arrested on May 5, while Kedar had been picked up earlier. Investigators revealed that the duo acted as “money mules.” They provided their bank accounts and SIM cards to a larger criminal syndicate in exchange for a commission. Gaikwad’s account was the one masquerading as “Kunal Confectionery,” while Kedar provided the SIM used to communicate with the victim.
A Growing Menace
This case highlights a dangerous trend in cyber fraud where “mule accounts” are used to park stolen money, making it harder for authorities to reach the masterminds. While these two have been denied bail and remain in judicial custody, the police are still hunting for two more key members of the racket.
How to Protect Yourself
To avoid falling for similar scams, the police suggest a few golden rules:
- Verify the URL: Scammers often use “online” or “booking” suffixes in URLs to mimic official sites.
- Check the Name: If a resort booking asks you to pay a “Confectionery” or a random individual, it’s a massive red flag.
- Use Official Apps: Whenever possible, book through well-known, verified travel aggregators.
The swift action by the Powai police serves as a reminder that while the internet is convenient, a little bit of doubt can go a long way in protecting your hard-earned money.
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