A 40-year-old Vasai East resident, Atul Chandan Menon, was allegedly cheated of over Rs1.08 crore in a sophisticated online trading scam involving fraudulent cryptocurrency and foreign exchange schemes. Achole Police have registered a case under charges of cheating and cyber fraud.
According to the complaint, between September 29 and October 13, 2025, Menon was lured into investing via a fake online trading platform by the accused, Keerthi alias Keerthana Murali. The suspect contacted Menon through WhatsApp, promoting a scheme called “m.dupointfew.ce Currency Trading Account” and promising unusually high returns.
Believing the scheme to be legitimate, Menon transferred a total of Rs1,08,70,000 to multiple bank accounts provided by the accused. After the transfers, he was unable to withdraw any returns or recover his investment. Realizing he had been duped, Menon filed a police complaint.
The case has been registered under Sections 318(4) and 3(5) of the Bharatiya Nyaya Sanhita (BNS), along with Sections 66C and 66D of the Information Technology Act, which cover cyber fraud and identity misuse.
Keerthi Murali is believed to be operating from Chennai, and the investigation is ongoing. No arrests have been made so far.
Police Advisory: Authorities have urged citizens to exercise caution with online investment schemes promising unrealistically high returns and to verify platforms before transferring money.
