The Inter-State Cell (ISC) of the Crime Branch, Delhi Police, has busted a major inter-state cyber fraud network involved in online investment scams, arresting four accused in two separate cases and uncovering a money trail of approximately Rs 24 crore, officials said on Friday.
According to police, the syndicate operated through fake WhatsApp groups and fraudulent trading applications, luring victims with promises of high and quick investment returns. The arrests were carried out by teams led by Inspector Shivraj Bisht and Inspector Satendra Khari, under the supervision of ACP Ramesh Lamba.
In the first case, a complainant was cheated of Rs 31.45 lakh after being added to a WhatsApp group and persuaded to invest through a fake trading application named “Cventura.” The victim transferred money into six different bank accounts before the WhatsApp group vanished and the application stopped functioning.
An FIR was initially registered at Cyber NED and later transferred to the Crime Branch for further investigation. Police traced the money through multiple mule accounts and conducted raids in Ludhiana and Khanna in Punjab, leading to the arrest of Rajiv (33) from Rupnagar and Monu Kumar (27) from Ludhiana.
Investigations revealed that Rajiv’s bank account received Rs 6.45 lakh from the cheated amount and showed transactions exceeding Rs 1 crore, linked to multiple cyber fraud complaints. Monu Kumar was found to be facilitating the opening and sale of bank accounts on commission. Two other associates involved in the case are currently absconding.
In the second case, another victim was duped of Rs 47.15 lakh after joining a WhatsApp group titled “VIP 10 Stock Sharing Group.” The victim was induced to invest through a fake trading application called “Verger.”
Police found that the cheated money was routed through nine bank accounts spread across several states. Subsequent raids in Haryana and Rajasthan led to the arrest of Mohit, Balwan, and Rajbir Singh.
Investigators said Mohit and Rajbir Singh acted as first-layer account providers, with nearly Rs 23 crore routed through their accounts within a short span. Balwan allegedly worked as a mediator, arranging bank accounts for the syndicate in exchange for commissions.
Police officials stated that the investigation has exposed a well-organised cyber fraud network operating across multiple states using fake mobile applications, WhatsApp groups, and layered banking channels. Detailed financial analysis and technical scrutiny are underway to identify more victims, trace the end beneficiaries, and freeze the remaining proceeds of crime.
“Efforts are being made to apprehend the absconding accused and other associates linked to the arrested persons,” said DCP Aditya Gautam.
