Navi Mumbai Cyber Police Uncover Two Major Online Investment Scams, Arrest Four Accused
In a significant crackdown on digital financial crime, the Navi Mumbai cyber police team has successfully detected two separate high-value cyber fraud cases, leading to the arrest of four accused individuals. The investigations reveal sophisticated schemes targeting professionals with promises of lucrative online investment returns.
First Case: Retired Engineer Defrauded of Rs 4 Crore in Fake Gold Trading Scheme
The first incident, which unfolded between February and November of last year, involved a retired civil engineer who was swindled out of a staggering Rs 4 crore. The fraudsters, operating under the guise of a "UK-based" trading firm, lured the victim with offers of high returns through online gold trading investments.
Senior Police Inspector Vishal Patil detailed that after realizing he had been cheated, the victim attempted to seek justice by emailing a complaint to UK police authorities but received no response. Consequently, he filed a First Information Report (FIR) at the Navi Mumbai Cyber Police Station, initiating the local investigation.
Upon tracing the bank accounts used to receive the fraudulent transfers, police identified suspect Kalpesh Shitap from Chandanwadi in Thane district. SPI Patil emphasized that Shitap has confessed to his involvement in cyber crimes across 17 states in India, admitting that he and his accomplices opened multiple bank accounts specifically to facilitate these fraudulent activities.
Second Case: Environment Consultant Duped of Rs 56 Lakh in Stock Market Scam
In a parallel case occurring between August 14 and November 19 last year, an environment consultant was defrauded of Rs 56 lakh. The scammers assured high returns through online stock market trading, exploiting the victim's trust for financial gain.
Police obtained critical details of the bank account holders involved in receiving the illicit funds. Accused Salim Sheikh revealed that he had provided his bank account to his accomplice, Mohammad Nawil Harun alias Monu, in exchange for a payment of Rs 2 lakh. By tracking Harun's mobile tower location, authorities arrested Sheikh from a hotel in Dombivli.
Further investigation uncovered the involvement of Saddam Ali Ejaz Ahmed, a relationship manager at a cooperative bank in Sion, who was also arrested for his role in the cyber fraud. Ahmed has been linked to similar crimes in four states across India, highlighting the interstate nature of these operations.
Seizures and Ongoing Investigations
From the trio arrested in the second case, police have seized significant evidence, including:
- Four mobile phones
- Six SIM cards
- Two bank account cheque books
- Two debit cards
Additionally, during a house search of Harun, authorities confiscated:
- 17 cheque books from various banks
- 10 debit cards
- Three passbooks
- Other related items
These seizures underscore the organized and extensive nature of the cyber fraud networks. The Navi Mumbai cyber police continue to probe these cases, aiming to dismantle further connections and prevent future incidents. These arrests serve as a stark reminder of the risks associated with online investment schemes and the importance of vigilance in the digital age.
