The Mattanchery police have arrested Santhosh (50), a resident of Fulchur, Maharashtra, in connection with a major cyber fraud that led to a financial loss of Rs2.88 crore for a local woman.
The case was registered on September 6, 2025, after Usha Kumary K. (59), a resident of Mattanchery, filed a complaint alleging that she had been conned by a group of online fraudsters.
According to the complaint, Usha Kumary received a WhatsApp video call from individuals impersonating law enforcement officials. The callers falsely claimed that she was involved in a cryptocurrency-related money laundering case and informed her that she had been placed under “virtual arrest.”
Frightened and manipulated, the woman was coerced into transferring funds to multiple accounts under the pretext of legal verification and clearance. Over time, she lost a staggering Rs2.88 crore.
Following an in-depth investigation, police traced part of the fraud to Santhosh, who was picked up in Mumbai and brought to Kerala for further interrogation.
Authorities confirmed that Santhosh was part of a wider network operating online scams that prey on fear, especially among elderly and vulnerable individuals.
