Micah Mark Vs State of Karnataka (Karnataka High Court)
The Karnataka High Court considered two petitions under Section 528 of the Bharatiya Nagarik Suraksha Sanhita (BNSS) seeking quashing of Crime No. 202 of 2026, registered for offences under Sections 318(4), 335(A)(ii), 336(3), 238, 61(2) and 190 of the Bharatiya Nyaya Sanhita, 2023 and Sections 13, 17 and 18 of the Unlawful Activities (Prevention) Act, 1967 (UAPA). The principal challenge was to the legality of the FIR and the invocation of UAPA provisions following information shared by the Enforcement Directorate (ED).
The allegations arose after one of the accused was intercepted at Kempegowda International Airport while allegedly carrying 24 international debit cards. During search and investigation under FEMA, the ED claimed to have uncovered a network involving foreign debit cards issued by a USA-based bank and linked to a United States entity. According to the ED, analysis of financial transactions, documents and statements indicated withdrawals of approximately ₹92.55 crore between November 2025 and April 2026, with further withdrawals across multiple States. It was alleged that the cards were issued under a common name to conceal the identity of users and that the accused had distinct roles in coordinating financial operations, ATM withdrawals and deployment of funds.
