Two individuals, Vinay Kumar S. Khadke (23) and Maruthi G.H. (28), were apprehended in Bengaluru and transported to Hyderabad for their involvement in a complex digital scam, according to TGSCB Director Shikha Goel.
A complaint was filed by a Hyderabad resident last month, alleging he was contacted by fraudsters impersonating Mumbai Police. They falsely claimed that a bank account had been opened using the victim’s Aadhaar and PAN, implicating him in money laundering activities.
The scammers went so far as to send counterfeit letters from the Enforcement Directorate (ED) and the Income Tax (IT) department, demanding detailed financial information from the victim, including properties, deposits, and salary. They intimidated the victim, claiming he could face three to seven years in prison.
Under the guise of conducting an investigation, the fraudsters coerced the victim into cooperating through online interactions and video calls. Misled by their claims, the victim transferred a staggering Rs10.61 crore into accounts controlled by the fraudsters, believing he was complying with law enforcement.
The accused had jointly opened a current account under the name of Tinkan Technologies Pvt. Ltd., where Rs4.62 crore of the victim’s funds were deposited. Police recovered two mobile phones used in the scam during the operation.
Officials revealed that the fraudsters exploited vulnerable individuals, offering commissions for access to their bank accounts. Once they gained access, they impersonated law enforcement officials, claiming the victims’ accounts were involved in illegal activities and manipulating them into transferring funds.
The two accused had opened an HDFC Bank account under Tinkan Technologies Pvt. Ltd. based on instructions from a third party promising them commissions. The investigation is ongoing to uncover the larger network involved in this fraud.
Shikha Goel emphasized the importance of vigilance, advising the public to protect their personal and financial information. The TGCSB cautioned against sharing sensitive information with unverified individuals, stating, “No legitimate police investigation will be conducted solely over the phone or online. Never share your bank account details with anyone.”