Three Men Caught Over Skimming Scandal at Thanet Cash Machines
Skimming Device Found at Ramsgate Cash Point
Kent Police swooped after a customer spotted a sneaky card skimming device on a cash machine at the Co-op supermarket in Grange Road, Ramsgate. The alert came around 8.20pm on Friday, 21 August 2020, when the woman couldn’t retrieve her bank card and noticed the dodgy gadget trying to steal her card details.
Similar Scam Hits Broadstairs Earlier That Day
It wasn’t an isolated incident. Earlier on the same day, a second Co-op in High Street, Broadstairs, fell victim to the same fraud. Police launched full investigations, checking CCTV footage relentlessly.
Three Arrested on M2 with Skimming Gear
Early next morning, officers stopped a vehicle on the M2 motorway. Inside were three men linked to both cash point tampering cases. They seized the skimming equipment and hauled the trio in.
- Thinumenan Ganeshalingham, 23, from Mitcham, Greater London
- Tharan Yogeswaran, 23, from Gillingham
- Attaul Qayyum, 20, from Morden, Greater London
All three face charges for possession of card skimmers and fraud tools. Ganeshalingham also got slapped with a possession of class B drugs charge, while Qayyum faces driving without insurance.
Police Warn Public: Stay Alert at Cash Machines
Sergeant Claire Munday urged: “Be vigilant around cash machines. If it looks tampered with, report it to the bank and police immediately.”
She added, “Always cover your PIN and report if your card gets stuck.”
If you spot suspicious behaviour near ATMs, call 101 or 999 if a crime is happening. You can also ring anonymous tip-off line Crimestoppers on 0800 555111 or visit www.crimestoppers-uk.org.
