The Malwani Police have arrested a former BEST bus driver, identified as Sanjay, for allegedly orchestrating an investment scam that defrauded six employees of the transport undertaking out of over Rs9.8 lakh.
While an FIR was registered in July 2024, the scam dates back to early 2022, when Sanjay ran three WhatsApp groups that promised high returns through various investment schemes. These groups specifically targeted other BEST employees and shared links to dubious websites.
Sanjay promised fixed returns every 25 days, claiming schemes such as depositing $175 to earn $110 every cycle, with returns continuing for a year. Another plan promised three times the investment in just 55 days.
A message sent on July 6, 2022, claimed that 100% of the investment would be returned. A total of 15 employees ended up investing around Rs16.4 lakh collectively. The victims were instructed to use an app to convert USD to INR, but no returns were ever received.
When questioned, Sanjay directed victims to another individual who offered no real help, citing that the app was still in development.
Eventually, six victims approached Malwani Police and filed a complaint. Following an investigation, Sanjay was arrested on October 3, 2025, and has been remanded to police custody by a magistrate.
The case highlights how trust and internal networks are being exploited for online financial frauds in India.
