MUMBAI: The city's east region cyber police have arrested a Virar-based tour operator whose bank account was allegedly used to route money from cyber fraudsters reported across several states. Investigators suspect crores of rupees siphoned from victims were moved through the account before being transferred to other beneficiaries, with part of the trail possibly leading overseas.
The accused, Nilesh Upadhyay, 38, proprietor of Geeta Express Cargo, was arrested last week. Police said he was linked to a gang that duped a 65-year-old retired Bhandup resident of Rs 78 lakh through a fake online trading scheme.
According to police, the victim was added to a WhatsApp group named "VIP Investors Network," where fraudsters posing as investment advisers persuaded him to invest through a mobile application. They allegedly displayed fictitious profits to convince him to transfer more money.
During the investigation, officers traced Rs 50,000 from the cheated amount to a bank account operated by Geeta Express Cargo.
Checks on the National Cyber Crime Reporting Portal showed the same account was connected to several complaints in Maharashtra, Telangana, Gujarat, Karnataka and West Bengal. Police allege Upadhyay gave associates in Lucknow his cheque book, ATM card, SIM card and banking credentials for a 5-10% commission.
