In a significant operation against cybercrime, the Pimpri-Chinchwad Cyber Police have apprehended six individuals, including an employee from fintech company Airpay, involved in a massive online fraud scheme. The suspects exploited popular fintech platforms such as Instant Pay, Airpay, and Spicemoney to defraud victims by promising substantial returns on fake investments.
The fraudsters operated two WhatsApp groups—’Wealth Knowledge Group’ and ‘VIP Service Group 422’—luring individuals into a fraudulent online trading scheme. Posing as financial experts, group admins Arya Anand and Sethurathnam Ravi tricked victims into investing in a bogus app called ‘Ad-bir Capable,’ guaranteeing high returns.
Victims were urged to transfer funds into designated bank accounts for stock trading. However, after receiving the money, the scammers disappeared, leaving investors empty-handed. One victim alone reported a loss of Rs2.8 lakh.
A thorough investigation by the police revealed that the fraudulent transactions traced back to an IDBI Bank account linked to ‘Infinity Enterprises’ in Panvel. Financial analysis uncovered substantial transfers, with money being routed to AU Small Finance Bank and Axis Bank accounts under ‘Siddhi Telecom.’
Among those arrested was Naresh Sujaram Chaudhary, who confessed to cashing out large sums for a prime accused named Nathu in return for a commission. Another key figure, Jilani Jani Sheikh, admitted to facilitating ₹80 lakh in cash withdrawals related to the scam.
The individuals arrested include:
Naresh Sujaram Chaudhary – Xerox shop owner, Mumbai
Jilani Jani Sheikh – Fabrication business, Mumbai
Amit Sahu – Online money transfer operator, Uran
Irfan Khalil Sheikh – Online money transfer operator, Panvel
Kiran Vasudev Jethnani – Clothing and money transfer business, Panvel
Makarand Sanjeev Vilegaonkar – Area Sales Manager, Airpay, Panvel
The operation was conducted under the guidance of:
Vinaykumar Chaubey – Commissioner of Police, Pimpri-Chinchwad
Dr. Shashikant Mahavarkar – Joint Commissioner of Police
Vasant Pardeshi – Additional Commissioner of Police
Sandeep Doifode – Deputy Commissioner of Police (Crime)
Dr. Vishal Hire – Assistant Commissioner of Police (Crime-1)
Inspector Ravikiran Nale and his dedicated cybercrime investigation team led the arrests.
The Pimpri-Chinchwad Cyber Police have urged residents to exercise caution when engaging in online financial transactions. Fraudsters often misuse KYC documents to open fraudulent accounts, and citizens are advised to verify fintech services and report any suspicious online activity immediately.
