The Inter-State Cell (ISC) of Delhi Police’s Crime Branch has dismantled a major inter-state cyber fraud network involved in online investment scams, recovering a money trail of approximately Rs 24 crore and arresting four suspects in two separate cases, officials said on Friday.
The racket operated through fraudulent WhatsApp groups and fake trading applications, targeting unsuspecting investors with promises of high returns. The arrests were carried out under the supervision of ACP Ramesh Lamba, with teams led by Inspectors Shivraj Bisht and Satendra Khari.
In the first case, a complainant was cheated of Rs 31.45 lakh after being added to a WhatsApp group and persuaded to use a fake trading app named “Cventura.” The victim transferred money into six different bank accounts before the app ceased functioning and the group vanished.
Police traced the funds through multiple mule accounts and conducted raids in Ludhiana and Khanna, Punjab, arresting Rajiv (33) from Rupnagar and Monu Kumar (27) from Ludhiana. Rajiv’s account had received Rs 6.45 lakh linked to this case and showed transactions exceeding Rs one crore across multiple cyber fraud complaints. Monu Kumar was found facilitating bank account openings and sales for commission. Two other associates remain at large.
In the second case, a victim lost Rs 47.15 lakh after joining a WhatsApp group called “VIP 10 Stock Sharing Group” and investing through a fake “Verger” application. Investigations revealed the funds were routed through nine bank accounts across several states.
Raids in Haryana and Rajasthan led to the arrest of Mohit, Balwan, and Rajbir Singh. Police found Mohit and Rajbir acted as first-layer account providers, handling transactions worth nearly Rs 23 crore in a short period, while Balwan arranged bank accounts on commission.
Police described the network as a well-organized cyber fraud operation across multiple states, using fake apps, WhatsApp groups, and layered banking channels. Detailed financial scrutiny and technical analysis are underway to identify further victims, trace end beneficiaries, and freeze remaining funds.
“Efforts are ongoing to apprehend the absconding accused, including associates of those already arrested,” said DCP Aditya Gautam.
