Delhi Police Crack ₹47.20 Lakh Cyber Fraud Network, Arrest Three Accused

In a significant operation against cyber financial crime, the Crime Branch of Delhi Police has dismantled a sophisticated cyber fraud network that operated through a counterfeit online investment platform. This crackdown has resulted in the arrest of three individuals who allegedly defrauded a victim of ₹47.20 lakh by promising unrealistic returns on investments in stocks, equities, and IPOs.

Fake Profits, Deadly Digital Trap

Authorities have reported that the arrested individuals were part of a well-organized syndicate that utilized mule bank accounts and advanced digital tools to route and launder money acquired through online fraud. The operation was characterized by multiple layers of coordination, complicating the initial tracing of fund movements for investigators.

The case began with an e-FIR filed at the Cyber Police Station in the South West District. The complaint was lodged by a victim who was lured into investing through a fraudulent online platform that presented itself as a legitimate opportunity for stock market and IPO investments. The victim was persuaded to transfer substantial sums over time, having been shown fabricated profit dashboards and manipulated returns.

Mule Accounts Powered the Scam Machine

During the investigation, police identified a current account under the name of Orange Herbs Private Limited as a crucial “layer-1” account used to receive and redistribute the defrauded funds. Officials confirmed that nearly ₹3 lakh from the victim’s amount was credited to this account alone. Further scrutiny revealed that this account was linked to at least 12 other cyber fraud complaints, indicating its repeated use in similar illicit activities.

The investigation was conducted under the supervision of senior officers, with a dedicated Crime Branch team executing coordinated operations across multiple states, including Haryana, Punjab, and Chandigarh. Techniques such as technical surveillance, financial tracing, and ground intelligence were employed to identify the accused and monitor their movements.

The first suspect, Vishal Chauhan, a 47-year-old resident of Jind in Haryana, was arrested for allegedly sharing his bank account credentials, SIM cards, debit cards, and cheque book with syndicate members in exchange for a commission. Investigators indicated that he knowingly facilitated illegal transactions and received approximately ₹50,000 for granting access to his banking instruments.

During his arrest, law enforcement recovered multiple mobile phones used to execute the fraud. These devices were instrumental in coordinating transactions and communicating with other members of the network.

The second suspect, Ritvik Yadav, who allegedly served as a mediator in the operation, was traced and apprehended in Jaipur, Rajasthan. He is suspected of procuring bank kits and SIM cards from individuals like Vishal Chauhan and redistributing them within the fraud network for a commission.

The third suspect, Priyal Pratap Yadav, a 22-year-old from Mainpuri in Uttar Pradesh, was arrested in the Kingsway Camp area of Delhi. A mobile phone used for executing fraudulent transactions was recovered from him.

Interstate Cyber Syndicate Under Scanner

Officials have indicated that the arrested individuals were part of a larger organized syndicate that operated by purchasing or renting bank accounts from individuals and firms. These accounts were exploited to route proceeds from cyber fraud, with commissions reportedly ranging from 25% to 40%, depending on the role and associated risks.

The network relied heavily on layering techniques to obscure the origins of the money, complicating detection efforts. However, sustained technical surveillance and coordinated interstate raids ultimately led to the exposure of the network.

Currently, Vishal Chauhan and Ritvik Yadav are in judicial custody, while further interrogation of all arrested individuals is ongoing. Authorities have confirmed that the investigation is still active, aiming to identify additional members of the syndicate and uncover a broader network involved in similar cyber fraud activities. Efforts are being intensified across Delhi-NCR and other regions to trace remaining suspects and prevent further financial crimes linked to this racket.

Officials have also issued warnings to the public to remain vigilant against fake investment platforms that promise unrealistic returns, as such scams continue to evolve with increasingly sophisticated digital methods.

For further details, refer to the original reporting source: the420.in.

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