The Pimpri-Chinchwad Cyber Police recently uncovered a major cyber fraud racket involving fintech platforms such as Instant Pay, Airpay, and Spice Money. Six individuals, including an employee of Airpay, were arrested in connection with the fraudulent activities.
The arrested suspects have been identified as Naresh Sujaram Chaudhary (Ghatkopar East, Mumbai), Jilani Jani Sheikh (Ghatkopar West, Mumbai), Amit Battulal Sahu (Uran), Irfan Khalil Sheikh (Bandar Road, Panvel), Kiran Vasudev Jethnani (Tilak Road, Panvel), and Makarand Sanjeev Vilegaonkar (Akurli, Panvel East).
According to Deputy Commissioner of Police (Crime Branch) Sandeep Doiphode, the investigation started after a complaint was filed at the Pimpri-Chinchwad Cyber Police Station regarding a Rs2.8 lakh fraud linked to online trading investments. Upon investigation, the fraudulent transaction was traced back to an account registered under the name ‘Infinity Enterprises,’ which displayed significant financial activity. The trail led to Naresh Chaudhary’s account, where he admitted to receiving money from an individual named Sanjay. Chaudhary revealed that he had withdrawn the money in cash and handed it to fugitive Nathoo on a commission basis.
Further investigation revealed that Chaudhary had transferred Rs80 lakh to Nathoo’s Airpay account on Nathoo’s instructions through Jilani Sheikh. Another suspect, Amit Sahu, was found to be operating a money transfer business called ‘Apna Mudra’ through an account named ‘Siddhi Telecom,’ which had also received significant amounts from Nathoo for further transactions.
The police discovered that the accused had created multiple accounts under master distributors, distributors, and retailers on various platforms. Funds connected to several cyber crimes were routed through mule accounts into the ‘Infinity Enterprises’ account, and later deposited into the fintech companies’ nodal accounts. Nathoo allegedly collected the deposited cash via CMS Infotech and used couriers to transport the money to perpetuate further fraud.
This breakthrough operation was led by Cyber Police Station Inspector Ravikiran Nale, Assistant Inspector Pravin Swami, and a dedicated team of officers, including Sub-Inspectors Sagar Poman, Vaibhav Patil, and Prakash Katakade. With this arrest, the investigation continues, and further revelations are expected.
