The Puducherry Cyber Crime Police have successfully dismantled a massive scam exceeding Rs56 crore, arresting seven individuals involved in defrauding investors through a fake online trading application. Operating under the guise of a software development company, the accused ran centers in Bengaluru and Neyveli, which were sealed by police on Saturday. During the operation, authorities seized vehicles, electronic equipment, and important documents, while continuing to search for additional key suspects.
According to the police, M. Kokila (36) from Lawspet, Puducherry, was searching for online trading opportunities when she was approached by individuals claiming to represent Global Software and Alogomaster Trading Company. They promised her substantial profits using their automatic robotic software for trading. Trusting them, Kokila purchased the software and made multiple payments totaling Rs18,05,556 via UPI and bank transfers. After not receiving any returns, she attempted to contact the company but was unable to reach them.
Kokila subsequently filed a complaint with the Puducherry Cyber Crime Police at the end of June. Following an initial inquiry, a case was registered on July 1 under relevant sections of the Bharatiya Nyaya Sanhita and the Information Technology Act. Investigations revealed that the suspects were operating from Bengaluru and Neyveli.
Under the directive of R. Kalaivanan, Senior Superintendent of Police Puducherry, a team led by Superintendent of Police A. Bascarane, along with inspectors B. C. Keerthy and Diagaradjane, conducted further investigations. They arrested seven suspects in Bengaluru and sealed their center there, while another team secured the Neyveli location.
The arrested individuals were identified as Thupaik Ahamed, Praveen, Jagadish, Ansari Muhammad, Ramachandran, Premises Anand, and Vimal Raj. Police records indicate that the group has been operating call centers across multiple countries, including India, Dubai, Hong Kong, and Thailand, since 2014, employing over 200 people to deceive the public. Their operations were primarily headquartered in Dubai, with Nawshad Khan Ahamed from Neyveli identified as the mastermind. His wife, Sowmya, owned a call center in Namakkal, and the main culprit, Tubail Ahamed, is a Dubai citizen.
The police are also on the lookout for five additional suspects believed to be in Dubai. Over the past nine months, a total of Rs56 crore was fraudulently obtained through just three bank accounts, with Rs27 crore already frozen in accounts across India.
In addition to the arrests, law enforcement seized four luxury cars, one van, one motorcycle, credit and debit cards, bank passbooks, checkbooks, staff certificates, mobile phones, personal computers, and electronic equipment from their centers. The accused allegedly used the scam proceeds to purchase bungalows in Bengaluru and resorts in Yercaud, Puducherry, and Kodaikanal.
SSP Kalaivanan cautioned the public, stating, “People must be vigilant and not trust investment advertisements on social media.” The police are currently investigating whether the 1,56,346 individuals whose details were found in the suspects’ possession were also victims of the scam.
