Kozhikode: The Cyber Crime Wing of the Kozhikode police has arrested a youth at Mumbai airport over allegedly swindling money from a woman through an online scam. The accused is Muthirakkalayil Basim Nujoom (32) of Kayanna in Kozhikode.

According to police, online fraudsters used Basim’s bank account to extort money from the woman. 

The police said Basim was arrested in connection with a case involving fraud amounting to ₹76.35 lakh from a Kozhikode woman. As per the complaint, the fraudsters contacted the woman online, promising huge profits through investments in IPOs and the stock market. The money was swindled through 20 transactions.

The fraudsters allegedly used several bank accounts, including that of Basim Nujoom. Police said transactions worth ₹6.5 lakh were routed through his account at the Mottanthara branch of the Federal Bank. The gang later withdrew the amount using cheques.

The victim lodged a complaint with the police by calling the cybercrime helpline number 1930. Following a preliminary probe, the Cyber Crime Wing registered a case and traced Basim Nujoom by analysing bank transactions in detail.

Basim was taken into custody by the investigating team, comprising Sub-Inspector Jamesh, Senior Civil Police Officer Vimeesh, and CPO Sanil, on Tuesday. The probe is being led by Inspector Agesh.

Police also said the accused is involved in another money extortion case registered in Chennai, in which the complainant reportedly lost ₹37.85 lakh. Basim Nujoom has been remanded to judicial custody.

The Cyber Crime Wing has warned the public against sharing bank account details and other sensitive information with unknown persons. People have been advised to call the helpline number 1930 or register complaints on the website www.cybercrime.gov.in.