The Delhi Police have uncovered yet another sophisticated cyber fraud network, this time operating from Haryana, that allegedly deceived unsuspecting victims by promising lucrative returns through fake stock market investment schemes. The case, which began with a complaint from a Delhi-based accountant who lost over ₹3 lakh, has evolved into a wider investigation exposing multiple layers of the racket, its operational model, and the individuals who facilitated its financial machinery.

According to officials, the operation that led to the arrests spanned three days and involved extensive technical surveillance, analysis of digital footprints, and coordination across districts in Haryana. The breakthrough came when the police zeroed in on two key suspects—Neeraj, who runs a Common Service Centre, and Aman, a garment shop owner—both residents of Rohtak. Their arrests have opened up a trail that points to a broader network of cybercriminals operating from multiple locations and relying heavily on mule accounts to move defrauded funds.

How the Fraud Began

The case originated when the complainant, Kewal Kumar, a 40-year-old accountant from Delhi, received an unsolicited message from a woman identifying herself as Mitali Chopra. She introduced herself as someone associated with well-known mutual fund companies and claimed to possess expertise in stock market investments. Presenting herself as a financial advisor, she added Kumar to an online group that purportedly offered stock recommendations and guidance on profitable investments.

Drawing from a strategy common in online investment scams, the group shared fake profit statements to build credibility. To further trap the victim, Chopra convinced Kumar to download an application that she claimed was necessary for managing the transactions and monitoring investment growth. Trusting these representations, Kumar transferred ₹3.31 lakh across four instalments, using his wife’s bank account for the transactions.

The fraud became apparent when Kumar attempted to withdraw what he believed were his accumulated profits. Instead of a smooth transaction, the application abruptly blocked the withdrawal request, effectively cutting off his access to both the app and the fraudulent group. Realizing he had been deceived, Kumar promptly approached the authorities, leading to the registration of an FIR.

The Police Investigation

Once the complaint was filed, the Delhi Police Cyber Cell launched a comprehensive probe. Investigators began by analysing over 100 mobile numbers and examining IMEI details to track the devices used by the fraudsters. They also sifted through IP logs and scrutinised money trails, which extended across several bank accounts. This meticulous digital analysis revealed the movement of funds and the use of numerous mule accounts to obscure the identities of the primary operators.

During surveillance, certain recurring patterns and digital signatures pointed investigators toward Meham in Rohtak district. The movement of funds, in particular, made it clear that the perpetrators were operating from within Haryana. Acting on these leads, the police conducted coordinated raids in Rohtak and Hisar, ultimately arresting the two individuals who played significant roles in facilitating the scam.

Who Were the Arrested Individuals?

The arrested duo, Neeraj and Aman, were not the masterminds of the fraud but rather served as crucial intermediaries. Their roles centered on providing the banking infrastructure required by the cybercriminals. These accounts helped the primary operators receive, distribute, and launder the money siphoned off from victims.

Neeraj, who runs a Common Service Centre, allegedly allowed his bank account to be used for the racket’s transactions in exchange for a two percent commission. His access to multiple digital services and financial tools likely made him a convenient link for the fraudsters.

Aman, a garment shop owner, played an even more central role. According to the police, he acted as the key bridge between account holders, agents, and the main operators. His contribution involved supplying multiple bank accounts for the fraud network in return for a four percent commission. This arrangement made the funds more difficult to trace, as the money passed through several layers before reaching the core group orchestrating the scam.

Recoveries and Leads

The raids resulted in the recovery of ₹29,110 from various accounts connected to the racket. While this amount is a fraction of the total funds involved, it represents an important piece of evidence. Additionally, the police seized two mobile phones, two SIM cards, five debit cards, and a cheque book from the arrested suspects. These items are expected to provide valuable clues, especially regarding communication patterns and financial transactions.

Beyond the individual complaint that set the investigation in motion, the police identified at least 16 similar complaints registered on the National Cybercrime Reporting Portal that appear linked to the same network. This indicates that the racket was not an isolated or short-lived operation but part of a larger, systematic attempt to cheat multiple victims across different regions.

Broader Implications

The case highlights the growing sophistication of cyber fraud schemes, particularly those involving investment promises. Fraudsters increasingly rely on psychological manipulation, professional-looking digital platforms, and fabricated financial statements to instill confidence in their victims. By using apps that mimic legitimate investment platforms and leveraging social media groups to create an illusion of community and credibility, these criminals lure even financially literate individuals into their traps.

Moreover, the involvement of seemingly ordinary individuals such as shop owners and service centre operators as facilitators shows how cybercriminals decentralise their operations to avoid detection. By fragmenting the process and distributing roles among unsuspecting or complicit intermediaries, the masterminds minimize their exposure while making the money trail harder to follow.

Continuing Investigation

While the arrests mark a significant milestone, the Delhi Police emphasised that the investigation is far from over. The primary operators of the racket, including the woman who introduced herself as Mitali Chopra, are yet to be apprehended. The digital data recovered from the seized devices is expected to help the authorities trace their whereabouts and unravel the full extent of the operation.

Authorities also plan to work closely with banks and financial institutions to identify additional accounts involved in the scam. Enhanced monitoring and closer scrutiny of irregular financial activity are likely to aid in uncovering more leads and possibly preventing future fraud attempts.

Conclusion

The arrest of two individuals from Rohtak may be only the beginning of dismantling a much larger cyber fraud network. The case underscores the importance of vigilance among citizens, especially when approached with unsolicited investment offers. As cyber fraud evolves, so must the awareness and caution of potential victims. The Delhi Police’s swift action and continued investigation demonstrate a commitment to curbing digital crime and ensuring accountability for those who exploit trust through sophisticated schemes.