Hyberabad Police arrested nine individuals in connection with an investment fraud that led to a loss of Rs4.6 lakh. The accused were found to have provided access to bank accounts, which were used by cyber fraudsters to launder stolen funds.
The arrests were made following a raid on several hotels near DLF, Gachibowli, by the Medchal Special Operations Team (SOT) and Cyber Crime Unit. The arrested persons include Sumit Rathore and Manvendra Singh Rathore from Rajasthan, along with seven Hyderabad locals — Mohammed Nadeem Ur Rehman, MD Nayeem Ur Rahaman, Md Shafi, S Bharath, T Mahesh, Abdul Khaled, and J Mahesh.
Authorities seized 16 mobile phones, one laptop, two cars, and Rs82,500 in cash during the operation.
According to DCP SOT D. Srinivas, the local accused opened or sourced bank accounts and provided their access to cybercriminals via a Samsung-only Android app. This app allowed remote control over the bank accounts, enabling fraudsters to instantly reroute scam money into different accounts for fast withdrawal.
The Rajasthan duo acted as middlemen between local account providers and a handler known only by the Telegram alias jack, who orchestrated the movement of funds. They were reportedly paid Rs25,000 per month and provided hotel accommodations to help evade law enforcement, frequently changing rooms.
All nine were presented in court and sent to judicial custody. Police are continuing the investigation to trace ‘jack’ and other possible accomplices.
