In a significant operation, the Cyber Crime unit of the Crime Branch arrested two individuals from Madhya Pradesh involved in separate cases of digital arrest and investment fraud.
According to sources from the Crime Branch, Sachin Kolan from Nagda, Ujjain, MP, was apprehended for his role in a digital arrest scam. Out of the total amount of Rs 1.06 crore defrauded from the victim, Rs 8.82 lakh was transferred to Kolan’s bank account.
In a related case, Samir Ali (36), from Gudri Chouraha, Ujjain, was arrested for his involvement in an investment fraud scheme. A total of Rs 34,90,028 was credited to his bank account from the total fraud money exceeding Rs 2.58 crore.
The first case was initiated after a Bhubaneswar-based scientist reported receiving a call on August 9 from an unknown mobile number. The caller, posing as a DHL courier representative, claimed that a parcel containing illegal goods was intercepted by the Customs Department and was linked to the scientist’s name and Aadhar number. The call was later switched to a video call, with the fraudster impersonating a Mumbai Crime Branch officer, warning the victim of serious consequences unless money was transferred. Over the next few days, the victim was coerced into making three transactions totaling Rs 1.06 crore, from August 9 to 14.
The second fraud case was based on the complaint of a businessman from Cuttack. He had been lured into a fake investment scheme through a WhatsApp group named ‘Ram Investment Academy.’ The businessman opened an account with TECHSTARS PRO, which promised high returns from stock recommendations. Believing in the fraudulent scheme, the businessman invested Rs 2.58 crore, including his family’s savings, in the hopes of substantial profits.
Following a thorough investigation and tracking of the money trail, the Crime Branch identified and arrested Samir Ali. Another accused, arrested earlier in Kolkata, is currently in judicial custody.
Both cases highlight the growing trend of cybercrime and fraudulent schemes that target vulnerable individuals through deception and manipulation. The Crime Branch continues to investigate these cases and is working to apprehend any other individuals involved in similar scams.
