In a crackdown on digital investment fraud, cyber crime units across Chennai arrested four individuals accused of swindling a total of Rs31 lakh from unsuspecting victims through fake investment schemes advertised online.
The North Zone cyber crime police arrested Sitharaman (37) and Senthilnathan (28), both from Cuddalore, based on a complaint by Nandagopal (38) of Korukkupet. Nandagopal reported that he came across a dollar investment scheme via an Instagram ad. He was later contacted on Telegram and promised high returns through an e-venture. Trusting the scammer, he transferred Rs12 lakh to various accounts. When asked for an additional Rs7 lakh to “release” his returns, he realized he had been duped and filed a complaint.
Meanwhile, the West Zone police arrested Renganathan (26) of Srivaikundam in Thoothukudi district after Saravanan (43) of Arumbakkam filed a complaint. Saravanan said he was lured by a Facebook contact to invest in stock trading. Believing the promise of high returns, he made 14 transactions totaling Rs10 lakh. The fraudster disappeared after collecting the money.
The East Zone police also arrested another man in a cryptocurrency scam. Rabbani Khan (26) filed a complaint saying he lost Rs9.40 lakh after responding to a fake crypto investment ad online.
All four accused have been arrested and remanded in judicial custody. Police warn the public to avoid investment offers received through unverified online platforms and social media.
