The Central Bureau of Investigation (CBI) has arrested K. Muhammed Fasal, an alleged key operative in an international cyber fraud and ATM card smuggling network, from Thamarassery in Kozhikode district.

The arrest recorded on October 17 is linked to a cyber fraud case reported in July 2024, in which a Thrissur-based complainant allegedly lost ₹1 crore after being deceived by individuals posing as FedEx officials and cybercrime police personnel. The victim was reportedly persuaded to transfer the amount on the pretext of verifying his bank account.

According to the investigators, the alleged network led by him procured debit and ATM cards from young people and students from various parts of the State by paying them between ₹3,000 and ₹7,000 per card. The cards were then allegedly smuggled to Dubai and used by associates abroad to withdraw money obtained through cyber fraud.

Investigators also found that the proceeds were channelled into real estate investments in different parts of India, while gold was smuggled into Kerala. Fasal had earlier been intercepted at Bengaluru airport on May 13, 2026, while allegedly attempting to travel to Sharjah. This followed the issuance of a Lookout Circular against him.